Amenhotep III ruled Egypt for thirty-seven years at a time when the power and influence of Egypt was at its zenith. Visitors to Egypt today often find that his reign is often overlooked and overshadowed by that of other rulers, notably Ramesses II, who added to many of Amenhotep’s monuments and usurped many of his statues.

Joann Fletcher has long been an admirer of Amenhotep III and has taken the opportunity to present a detailed account of his reign and his achievements in an attempt to redress the balance.

This period of Egyptian history is perhaps one of the most fascinating, coming just after a time when the Egyptian Empire had reached its greatest extent, with tribute flowing into the country, and just before the reign of Amenhotep IV/Akhenaten and the so-called Amarna Revolution.

In recent years many scholarly articles have been written on Amenhotep III and there have been international exhibitions on his life and times. Joann Fletcher brings together in one volume all the latest ideas and theories about this period, presenting them in a clear and logical way, taking us through the reign of Amenhotep year-by-year.

No reign has ever produced such an abundance of outstanding sculpture and fine art, which can be seen today in museum collections around the world. Amenhotep built extensively at the temple of Amun in Karnak and completely re-built the temple at Luxor. His mortuary temple at Thebes was massive, although today all that survives are the two colossal statues, which once flanked the entrance, known to us as the Colossi of Memnon. At Malkata he built a huge palace, with sumptuously decorated rooms for both public and private use.

In the pages of the book we learn of Amenhotep’s relationship with his Great Wife, Tiye, of his hunting prowess and also gain an insight into the politics and diplomacy of the period, with international correspondence surviving from the royal archives.

One of the most interesting and important aspects covered in the book is the rise of the cult of the Aten, which began in the reign of Amenhotep III and not in the reign of his son as had previously been supposed. Towards the end of his reign, Amenhotep declared himself to be the living personification of the Aten and the "Living Sun".

This book really does redress the balance of our knowledge of Amenhotep III and his time and puts his long and important reign in its historical context.

The book is profusely illustrated with excellent colour photographs, many of which are published for the first time.

For beginner and enthusiast, this book is thoroughly recommended.