3.84
Part of "The Aegypt Cycle" series
"Aegypt," a novel by John Crowley, is a rich and intricate work of fiction that explores the intersection of history, myth, and the human experience. The story follows a group of characters whose lives become intertwined through their shared interest in the ancient world and the mysteries it holds. At the heart of the novel is the character of Pierce Moffett, a scholar and writer who becomes obsessed with the idea of a lost civilization that he believes holds the key to understanding the true nature of reality. Moffett's research leads him to cross paths with a cast of colorful characters, including a wealthy antiquarian book collector, a group of eccentric academics, and a mysterious woman who seems to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the past. Crowley's prose is rich and evocative, transporting the reader to a world that is at once familiar and fantastical. The novel is steeped in historical and mythological detail, with references to everything from the ancient Egyptians to the Rosicrucians and the Knights Templar. Yet despite its dense subject matter, "Aegypt" is never dry or pedantic. Instead, it is a deeply human story that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. One of the most striking aspects of "Aegypt" is its non-linear structure, which jumps back and forth in time and place. This serves to heighten the sense of mystery and wonder that pervades the novel, as the reader is constantly discovering new connections and patterns in the narrative. Overall, "Aegypt" is a masterful work of fiction that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical and mythological themes, as well as those who appreciate richly drawn characters and evocative prose. It is a novel that rewards close reading and careful attention, and one that will continue to reveal new layers of meaning long after the final page has been turned...
Tim Powers
The Anubis Gates
This time-travel novel shares Aegypt's interest in history, mythology, and the occult. The Anubis Gates features a 19th-century poet who travels back in time to ancient Egypt, where he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving sorcery and werewolves.
Learn MoreSusanna Clarke
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
This sprawling, intricately plotted novel about 19th-century English magicians will appeal to readers of Aegypt who enjoy historical settings, detailed world-building, and a blend of the magical and the mundane.
Learn MoreK.J. Bishop
The Etched City
This dark, fantastical novel features a protagonist who, like Pierce from Aegypt, is a scholar and a seeker of hidden knowledge. The Etched City combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in a richly imagined world.
Learn MoreScott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora
Fans of Aegypt's complex plotting and intricate characters may enjoy this fantasy heist novel, which features a group of con artists who pull off elaborate scams in a corrupt, decadent city.
Learn MoreChina Miéville
The Scar
This nautical fantasy novel features a protagonist who, like Pierce, is a scholar and a seeker of hidden knowledge. The Scar combines elements of adventure, horror, and political intrigue in a richly imagined world.
Learn MoreMikhail Bulgakov
The Master and Margarita
This classic Russian novel features a protagonist who, like Pierce, is a scholar and a seeker of hidden knowledge. The Master and Margarita combines elements of satire, fantasy, and horror in a richly imagined world.
Learn MoreT.H. White
The Once and Future King
Readers who enjoy Aegypt's blend of history, mythology, and philosophy may appreciate this retelling of the Arthurian legend, which features a wise and compassionate king who struggles to maintain his ideals in a corrupt world.
Learn MoreMarion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists of Avalon
This feminist retelling of the Arthurian legend features a strong, complex female protagonist who, like Rosie from Aegypt, is a seeker of hidden knowledge and a defender of her people's traditions.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed
Readers who enjoy Aegypt's exploration of the tension between tradition and innovation may appreciate this science fiction novel, which explores the conflict between two neighboring planets with very different social systems.
Learn MoreDouglas Adams
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Fans of Aegypt's wit and humor may appreciate this science fiction comedy series, which features a hapless human protagonist who travels through space and time with a group of eccentric aliens.
Learn MoreNeil Gaiman
American Gods
Readers who enjoy Aegypt's blend of mythology and contemporary culture may appreciate this fantasy novel, which features a protagonist who becomes embroiled in a war between the old gods and the new.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
This historical mystery novel features a medieval monk who investigates a series of murders at a remote abbey. Like Aegypt, The Name of the Rose combines elements of history, philosophy, and theology in a richly imagined world.
Learn MoreJohn Fowles
The Magus
Readers who enjoy Aegypt's exploration of the human psyche may appreciate this psychological thriller, which features a protagonist who becomes embroiled in a series of mind games with a mysterious figure on a remote Greek island.
Learn More