The extraordinary era between Egypt's Great Pyramid and the fall of the Middle Kingdom was a golden age, encompassing its greatest literary and artistic achievements. Using a wealth of fresh discoveries, the second volume of John Romer's epic history of ancient Egypt reshapes our understanding of the world's first-known state. 'Romer's evocative and surprisingly passionate descriptions of the Middle Kingdom, with its glorious court, thriving international trade and bountiful Nile, have a sense of idyll about them' Anthony Sattin, Spectator 'Romer can communicate like no one else, his affinity with his subject fuelled by half a century living and working alongside the ancient Egyptians . his writings remain an inspiration' Joann Fletcher, BBC History Magazine 'An author and historian who truly grasps the mysteries of ancient Egypt' Kirkus Review 'This is an essential re-envisioning of ancient Egypt' Publishers Weekly.