For centuries the pyramids have inspired passionate theories about their origins, purpose and method of construction. In this fully work on the major pyramids of Ancient Egypt, the author surveys the history, building and use of the pyramids. He examines both the practicalities and logostics of their construction and their conceptual aspects - their cosmology and iconography and their intriguing texts. Other features include accounts of the latest discoveries by international teams working on the pyramids; discussion of the latest theories; chronology and history of Egypt and the pyramids; maps and site plans; a guide to visiting; computer generated perspective views of the interior of the pyramids; and quotations from ancient texts, early explorers and archaeologists.