Pen, Stylus, and Chisel: An Ancient Egypt Sourcebook helps students understand the world of the ancient Egyptians by introducing them to primary sources that cover a broader spectrum, both temporally and geographically, than most ancient Egyptian readers.

Beginning with The Old Kingdom in the third millennium BCE, the book covers 3,000 years of history, progressing through the Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, Late Kingdom, Persian Period, and ending with the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the first century BCE.

Students will learn about the Egyptians’ political ideas, social customs, religious views, economy, ethics, and forms of expression. The material includes documents written both by the Egyptians and by those who observed them, which gives students a well-rounded view of the Egyptian people, their history, and their culture.

The book includes maps, introductions to the readings to place them in context and enhance comprehension, discussion questions to be used in class or as writing assignments, and a glossary.

Pen, Stylus, and Chisel can be used in history and humanities courses on ancient Egypt.
David Miano earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of Shadow on the Steps: Time Measurement in Ancient Israel as well as several anthologies designed for classroom use. Dr. Miano teaches at both the University of California, San Diego, and at San Diego Mesa College. In 2009 he received the Revelle College Outstanding Faculty Award in recognition of his excellence in teaching. Dr. Miano is a regular lecturer at Osher Lifelong Learning in La Jolla, California, and the founder and executive director of Schola Antiquorum, a national, non-profit academic society dedicated to the study of ancient history.