The Good Kings
Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World
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The Good Kings
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Narrated by:
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Kara Cooney
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By:
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Kara Cooney
About this listen
Written in the tradition of historians like Stacy Schiff and Amanda Foreman who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country's 3,000-year empire and its meaning today.
In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs - Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa - to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future. As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world's politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many. From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.
©2021 Kara Cooney (P)2021 National GeographicWhat listeners say about The Good Kings
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 04-11-2021
A fantastic perspective between the old and new.
As a student undertaking a Master's degree in Egyptology, the book provides concepts and aspects that are not taught in "traditional" Ancient Egyptian classes as a rule. Kara provides thought-provoking ideas that I am sure will be reflected on whilst I continue with my studies.
Thank you it was most enjoyable
Vanessa
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Anya
- 04-07-2022
Good idea, poor execution
I actually agree with the opinion of the author regarding the patriarchy and I love the insight she has regarding how we view history and ancient kings. However, I couldn’t finish the book because she was too heavy handed with her views. I have red other authors with similar opinions who focused more on the history and explained their views in relation to that. She really just wants to talk about her political views, there is nothing wrong with that. But I’m here for the history.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amy
- 03-02-2022
A bitter American centric view of ancient Egypt
An American centric bitter take on ancient Egypt judging it by modern morality. I enjoyed Cooney’s Hatshepsut book very much but this I could not even finish after multiple attempts. Hilary Clinton is not the be all and end all of feminism for all of human history.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Jeremy L.
- 04-12-2023
At least she's having fun I suppose...
The author makes dubious connections to the modern era purely to beat home her opinions. And i mean beat, like the proverbial dead horse. If you're looking for a comedy, this might be for you
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