The Problem of the Obelisks, From a Study of the Unfinished, Obelisk at Aswan
Language: English
Published by Forgotten Books, 2018
- Softcover
- New



Seller: Forgotten Books, London, United KingdomForgotten Books
AbeBooks seller since June 2, 2021
Condition: New
US$ 19.52
Quantity: Over 20 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Print on Demand. This book delves into the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian engineering, specifically focusing on the monumental task of extracting and erecting obelisks. Through a detailed examination of the unfinished obelisk at Aswan, the author unveils the techniques and challenges faced by these early builders. Readers are transported back in time to the bustling quarries, where the rhythmic pounding of dolerite balls echoes against the granite. The author meticulously analyzes the evidence left behind, from tool marks to inscriptions, piecing together the step-by-step process of obelisk creation. The sheer scale and precision of this undertaking are brought to life, revealing the ingenuity and meticulous planning of the ancient Egyptians. The book sheds light on their sophisticated understanding of stonework, logistics, and manpower management, dispelling any notions of mystical or unknown forces at play. Ultimately, this book offers a profound appreciation for the remarkable achievements of a civilization that, with seemingly simple tools and techniques, crafted enduring monuments that continue to inspire awe and wonder today. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.…
Seller Inventory # 9781330384022_0
- Title
- The Problem of the Obelisks, From a Study of the Unfinished, Obelisk at Aswan
- Author
- Reginald Engelbach
- Publisher
- Forgotten Books
- Publication year
- 2018
- Condition
- New
- Book Type
- print-on-demand item
- Binding
- Paperback
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 1330384024
- ISBN 13
- 9781330384022
- Seller catalogs
- Ancient Egyptian History
The book blends narrative with model experiments and historical context to show how engineers of the ancient world tackled weight, balance, and precision. It focuses on hands-on processes, from quarry faces to the final erection, while balancing fact with careful inference where evidence is scarce.
- How obelisks were quarried, transported, and oriented on pedestals.
- The roles of sledges, baulks, and funnels in controlled descent and lift.
- Why notches and balance points mattered for a successful erection.
- Historical notes on key architects, instruments, and surviving records.
Ideal for readers of archaeology and the history of engineering, this edition offers a compact, accessible account of what is known about a subject that fascinated travelers and scholars for generations. It is well suited to anyone curious about ancient methods, practical craft, and how massive stone works were achieved.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Forgotten Books
London, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since June 2, 2021
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 10 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 0.00 | US$ 0.00 |
Payment methods
Store description
Forgotten Books’ Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the quality of the aged text.
Specialty
TradeSeller's business information
FB &c Ltd
Dalton House, 60 Windsor Avenue
London, United Kingdom SW19 2RR
Terms of sale
All books are Print on Demand and will be printed upon purchase and shipped in New Condition. Orders typically ship within 3-5 business days. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.
Other policies
Please note that we cannot accept cancellation requests once an order has been placed.
All Forgotten Books titles are printed on demand. The moment an order is submitted, it is automatically transmitted to our distributor and then forwarded to the printer, where it enters production. This process begins within minutes and is entirely automated.
A cancellation, however, is a manual, multi-step request that must pass through several systems. By the time such a request reaches the appropriate stage, the book has almost always been printed, packed, or already dispatched, which makes cancellation impossible.
For this reason, we kindly ask that you double-check the title, edition, and your shipping details before placing an order.
If you change your mind after ordering, you are welcome to return the book once it arrives, and a refund will be issued in accordance with AbeBooks’ return policy.
Please also make sure your address is correct before ordering as we will no be able to intervene and make changes before the book is shipped.
We can provide digital samples for all our print books ahead, so don't hesitate to reach out.
Returns
As a small publisher we do not have the facilities to resell returned books, so any returned book will be recycled. If the book is damaged or defective please continue with the return process, and thank you for letting us know so that we can improve our products. If you’re returning for another reason, however, please consider whether you could donate or gift the book instead so that it avoids the waste pile.
Thank you in advance!
Shipping terms
We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and reducing shipping costs by manufacturing and shipping our products as close to our customers as possible. For orders within the United States, your items are shipped from the USA with final delivery done by USPS.
UK and European orders are fulfilled from the UK through various couriers.
Canadian orders may be shipped from either Canada or the USA via Canada Post or UPS, depending on the size of the order.
For our customers in other regions around the world, we ensure that your orders are shipped from the closest available location to reduce delivery times and carbon footprint. Our goal is to deliver your products efficiently, no matter where you are located.
Please be aware that depending on the size of your order and local legislation in your country, there may be additional taxes, customs duties, and fees imposed by the destination country. These charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. They are the responsibility of the customer and must be paid upon delivery.
We recommend checking with your local customs office for more information on potential charges before placing your order. Forgotten Books is not responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or fees incurred.