I am especially grateful to the authors of the various studies on the predynastic and Early Dynastic history of Egypt which have appeared in print since the original publication of Egypt’s Making and which have informed the present volume. The most valuable references which I have used include those of the late Barbara Adams, Dr Renee Friedman, Professor G. Dryer, Dr B. Midant-Reynes, S. J. Siedelman, D. Rohl, Professor F. Wendorf and Professor R. Schild, and Dr T. A.H. Wilkinson. The appropriate references are given in the Bibliography. Naturally, the use which I have made of their work is wholly my responsibility and I hope that I have not misinterpreted or misrepresented any of them too outrageously.
I am delighted to acknowledge the various institutions and individuals who have assisted me in obtaining permission for the inclusion of many of the illustrations which appear here. These include Dr Patricia Spencer and the Committee of the Egypt Exploration Society, Dr Renee Friedman of the Hierakonpolis Expedition. Not for the first time, I have benefited from the advice of Dr Harnet Crawford of the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, on the archaeology of Mesopotamia. Again, any lingering errors or inadequacies in the text are entirely my own.
I am also indebted to Andrew Wheatcroft, the Head of Publishing Studies at Stirling University, who oversaw the original publication of Egypt’s Making, for his unfailing encouragement and guidance.
I am, as always, much indebted to my friend John Ross whose marvellous photographs of many of the objects herein displayed have added immeasurably to the quality of this edition, as his work did for the earlier edition.
Map 1 Egypt: principal sites mentioned in the text (c. 3300-3100BC)
Map 2 Western Asia: principal sires mentioned in rhe rexr
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