Frederick Monderson

Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir el Bahari is considered a wonderful experiment in ancient Egyptian art and architecture; as such it is a uniquely remarkable structure built in white limestone that's a sight to behold. More important, this work provides some insights into the men and a woman, avante garde in their thinking and actions at a time when females dared not rule However, given the opportunity, Queen Hatshepsut ruled well and was involved in many remarkable adventures and building projects, chief of which was her mortuary temple at Deir el Bahari, on the west bank at Thebes that also highlights a diplomatic voyage to Punt on the East African coast; one of many remarkable experiences recorded for posterity. This wonderful structure, unique in many ways, was a classic in its days of active use and though time and man have taken some toll, it still radiates with magical, mystical, artistic splendor, millennia later. A three story structure when one was the norm, use of alternating columns and pillars in colonnade form, hundreds of statues of the Queen in various attitudes, art in remarkable raised and sunk reliefs, the earliest bequeathed anthropological study in history, shrines to several gods, employing a creative and innovative concept to justify divine right to rule, choice of a remarkable location for its construction, employment of line and space over distance, while employing ramps, courts and colonnades all magnificently blended and juxtaposed against the mountain as a backdrop, Exquisitely utilizing a nearby Middle Kingdom prototype as transition linking Old with New Kingdom building creativity, all have made this temple not simply the envy of the ancient world; it is a remarkable tourist attraction that leaves visitors breathless and in wonder at this classic piece of monumental architecture which salutes its architect Senmut, an avante garde revolutionary genuinely motivated by love of a beautiful lady. This work, Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir el Bahari, consists of two poems to God Amon-Ra and the temple of Deir el Bahari itself, an Overview, Introduction, essays on Hatshepsut and Senmut, reports on discovery of Mummies in the Deir el Bahari "Cache" of 1881, and conclusions by the author. In addition, it contains published reports written more than a hundred years ago when the Swiss Egyptologist Edouard Naville excavated the temple in the 1890s. Even more, some two dozen illustrations and many photographs, some old and new and others taken from the temple's "bird's eye view" on the mountain top (no longer possible), descending the mountain, as well as the ascent into and highlighting the structure's ramps, colonnades, shrines, walls, courts and its wonderful artistic depictions towards the middle and upper terrace at the mountain's base where resides its "Holy of Holies" Sanctuary.The photographs are designed to "let the monuments teach" and as such, they highlight the art and architectural wonder of the temple, magnificence of the architect's creation of art and architecture that blends beauty with ancient mystical spirituality; and as such, this work is considered a significant Guidebook for students, specialists and lay people as well as for tourists. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Leaderless Republicans - Myth of the Republican Cave is a collection of essays focusing on Republican behavior masterminded by Donald Trump, former President and de facto leader of his party. Everyone can agree, Leadership is an art. The effective leader can accomplish much in appeal and service to the broadest spectrum and interests of the nation's constituents, particularly in today's trying times. Therefore, we must agree with Norman Whitfield, "The only safe ship in a storm is leadership." Yet, in his responsibility for health care, infrastructure, environment, climate, foreign policy, the economy, Donald Trump proved a failure. He was good at golfing, insulting everyone, rather than draining the swamp he bred more alligators; threatening many while he spewed venom on those who disagreed with him only interested in the dollar. On hand, Senator Cory Booker thought "The real test of leadership has never been who can get people to follow them. We've got charismatic leaders who get followed a lot. The real test of leadership is to motivate people to be leaders themselves and to carry the burden." This Trump never did; concerned only about his own welfare. Malcolm X on the other hand, correctly pointed out, "A wise man can act a fool but a fool cannot act a wise man." Thus, Donald Trump has been characterized from fool and imbecile to buffoon and grifter. Therefore, Republicans in his train are suspect. Leaders are intelligent, creative, humble, honest and can motivate followers; yet, strong, resilient, fair and challenging to adversaries not necessarily competitors within one's nation or political party. Donald Trump is a weak loudmouth possessing none of the above traits, as this has been evident for long. He parrots the venom many cannot express themselves and so he becomes "the chosen one." Allowed wide latitude of substandard performance, Republicans under Donald Trump's leadership, or lack thereof, have been callous, uncaring, repressive in their own right even as many of his "Best people" grift, or for example, either support Voter Suppression, racism, tolerate the ills of white supremacy, or remain silent as these maladies spread like wildfire across the nation. Donald Trump's "big lie" has molded Republican behavior even as the world and a few Republicans have rejected the falsity for what it is. Those truth tellers who escaped the "Republican Cave" became victims of Donald trump's vindictiveness while his complacent Republican enablers became silent and more concerned about Trump's threats against their positions rather than upholding their oath to the ideals of the Constitution and nation. These silent yes men not only deny Trump's role in the ramifications of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol Building, seat of America's democracy, they downplay its negative significance. Such sycophants seem unconcerned about retribution; unmindful of Dr. Martin Luther King's insightful reminder, "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice;" so, history will not be kind to those who, at this critical time in the nation's history, pandered to a liar, bigot, poor example for leadership who tramples upon much a vast number of Americans cherish and hold dear. More important, Donald Trump has made a mockery of the heritage and ideals the Office of the Presidency represents and Republican sycophants have allowed this to go unchecked because of fear of losing their jobs. This and more characterize these individuals as nothing but Leaderless Republican followers. "The facts are clear and ambiguous." Chairman Bennie Thompson" "We the people should not let Donald Trump be the finisher " Elaine Luria "We cannot abandon the truth and remain a free nation " Sarah Matthews "Character is revealed in a crisis, and Mr. Pence passed his Jan. 6 trial," the Wall Street Journal Editorial stated. "Mr. Trump utterly failed his."

How to tribute Dr. Yosef Alfred Antonio ben-Jochannan, "Dr. Ben," the giant; an icon, "master teacher," scholar extraordinaire, nationalist and uncompromising gadfly in defense of Africa and her sons and daughters, is the challenge posed in this quest. Combining sugar, some spice and a little photographic nicety is a significant first step in journey to celebrate the life and work of an individual not afraid to be a consistent iconoclast in extolling the meaning and significance of Egypt and the Nile Valley African experience while challenging the distorted projection that falsely portray European origination of science, religion, art, architecture, culture, as pillars that support human creativity and progress emerging from the mists of history to high noon illumination of man's philosophic, spiritual and moral journey. Just as the Sphinx of Ghizeh has outlasted time, Dr. Ben has remained a timeless sentinel extolling the great gift of Africans who fired the human imagination to create the dynamics of intellectual thought processes that advanced the pageantry of the human experience; he has criticized gross misrepresentation of the African historical record and as a corrective, cultivated a cadre of young minds committed to proper reconstruction and foundation of Egypt in African history placing it on a pedestal as he has placed the Black woman for whom he has shown great respect, love and affection. Dr. Ben-Jochannan brought the light of knowledge through his scholarship, lectures and so encouraged trips to Egypt enabling Africans to see and experience glory on the ancient tabula rasa their forebears had created as the first cause in human enlightenment. Beyond intellectual exercises, Dr. Ben was a great humanitarian and philanthropist who lived a long and exemplary life, and as a beacon and well-spring encouraged many to drink from his reservoir towards their own illumination. Unsung hero that he was, many African and African-American academic program and scholars owed him a huge debt that enabled these cubs to create credible and defendable scholarship in the intellectual warfare unfolding over Egypt and its legacy. Whether in writing history, challenging mis-representation in Museum showcases displays and in curricula where young minds are constantly molded, the hand of Dr. Ben must be seen as a living memorial, a beacon, and his extraordinary scholarship must remain a fountain and guidepost, constantly showing the way and defining the parameters by which African people determine their future by creating revitalized generations of strong intellectual and moral warriors guided by the philosophic and spiritual principle of Ma'at. From Abu Simbel to the Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, this Celebration of Dr. Ben-Jochannan seeks to cast some light on the path the old master has traveled, shown the way and guided untold numbers to take pride in the realization Africans can do anything others can and do it successfully because of the creativity Mother African blest and endowed them with A long-standing student of Dr. Ben-Jochannan who traveled to Egypt with him on many occasions, Dr. Fred Monderson is an African Historian, Egyptologist and retired Educator who taught American History and Government in New York Public schools and can be reached at [email protected]. This book is published by SuMon Publishers, P.O Box 160586, Brooklyn, New York 11216. MAKING DR. BEN'S DAY On Thursday September 6, 2012 at 9:00 AM, I visited Dr. ben-Jochannan to show him the book I wrote in his honor. Once Dr. Lewis gave me directions I worked my way there from Brooklyn, thru Manhattan and into the Bronx. I found him sitting having coffee in the dining room. Once we began examining the book in color on my computer along with the black and white version of the book sitting on the desk, I was impressed with how sharp Dr. Ben's mind remained. At 97 years old Dr. Ben retained his sense of being as he checked the time of day.

WHERE ARE THE KAMITE KINGSHave you ever wondered 'Where are the Kamite Kings' and 'Where have they left evidence of their existence' Are you in need of a Short History of Ancient Egypt from the Prehistoric to Late Periods? If perhaps you have been to Egypt before, can photographic images help remind you of the wonderful sites you encountered on that memorable outing? If not, can these photographs entice you to hurriedly go on that visit? Where are the Kamite Kings? is written within the context of exploring locations across the historical landscape where respective kings have left evidence of their names. Though time and man have destroyed much, sufficient remains still permit painting a cohesive history of Egypt. The Table of Contents reads: Introduction; Predynastic Kemet/Egypt; The Archaic Period I; The Archaic Period II; Methodology I; Methodology II; The Old Kingdom; The First Intermediate Period; Science; The Middle Kingdom; New Kingdom: Politics, Priesthood, Culture and Architecture; The New Kingdom and the Eighteenth Dynasty; The Nineteenth Dynasty; The Great Temple of Karnak; The Temple of Luxor; The Ramesseum of Rameses II; Medinet Habu Temple of Rameses III; The Tomb of Seti I; The Tomb of Rekhmara; and The Ethiopian Ascendency. Thus, beginning in the Prehistoric Badarian, Amratian and Gerzean or Naqada I and II culture sequence, kings from Narmer to the Ethiopians have been identified in graphics and images. Places where kings' names have survived in civil areas, religious and mortuary structures, on papyri, etc., have been pointed out. First and foremost, the author holds, the rise of civilization in Egypt is traceable to antecedents in Upper Egypt and Nubia/Ethiopia/Central Africa from which the Nile's cultural effluence flowed. Second, and equally interesting, the author recognizes the potency of names and naming. Modern 19th Century scholarship on Egypt emphasized Graeco-Roman names, as for example, Egypt for Kemet; Cheops, Chephren and Mycerenius for Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure; Diospolis Parva and Thebes for Waset; Amenophis for Amenhotep; and Tuthmosis for Thutmose; such was a skillful attempt in the overall conspiracy to move Egypt out of Africa and Africans out of Egypt.Since the present work ends with the Ethiopians, Graeco-Roman names are not apropos, except where reference is made to such temples as Isis, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Esneh, etc. Still, photographs, plans and illustrations are included, enhancing the visual image of the wide diversity of the culture, created by these Kamite Kings. Therefore, in answer to the title, 'Where are the Kamite Kings', this work provides some of the answers while recognizing a whole lot more could have been included, since much of the culture's artifacts are dispersed globally. Thus, brevity dictates this effort be confined to the physical borders of Egypt, though reference is made to foreign places and collections where Kamite or Egyptian artifacts are held. This work could therefore be useful to the general reader, student and expert [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Full of American cliches and historic landmarks in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Washington, DC., INTRIGUE THROUGH TIME is a wonderful read, a page turner and an exciting foray into antique dealings and an aspiring love relationship that unfolds amidst intrigue and excitement in a New York setting LADIES, have you ever looked for true love and couldn't find it then been "floored" by a handsome, dynamic and available young gentleman suddenly on the scene? Have you felt "your butter melt" in his presence and decided this is the person you would like to spend the rest of your life with? Have you had to strategize to keep your friends' "hands off your man?" If rich, have you wanted to share your wealth with this person because of how he makes you feel? Have your felt overjoyed in his presence at tourist spots, historically interesting places of your city, as in New York, viz., Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madison Square Garden, Circle Line, on a lengthy walk along 42nd Street and up 5th Avenue "window shopping;" experiencing goose bumps every step of the way? When at social functions parading "your catch," as he becomes the life of the party do you proudly walk on air? When entering a room and all eyes are on him, do you remind yourself "I have him and you don't?" Would you gladly accompany him on a foreign trip to view temples, museums, tombs of Egypt? These challenges Fantegla faced GENTLEMEN, have you "suddenly arrived" in a new country, city, culture, as if in a new time; and had to instantly adjust for your very survival? Have you had to hurriedly create a historic memory of your new environment? Have you been amazed as you visit memorable places as the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Gardens, enjoy the beautiful view of the New York skyline, attend the African Street Festival in Brooklyn, taken a ride on the New York City Subway and was stunned at the underground experience? Have you researched the New York Public Library Oriental Division and been captivated by its offerings? Can't work at your old profession, needing money, while possessing memorable antique jewelry, are you up to modern wheeling and dealing of selling such? How do you respond to a female acquaintance whose social demeanor, physical features and personality seem a carbon copy of your ancient "flame?" That first sip from the modern American honey pot is so surprisingly exhilarating, how would you feel to constantly long to return to do combat in the erogenous zone? How do you assess chances of returning to the old country to retrieve buried treasure that would set you up for life? These thought-provoking challenges confronted two people, suddenly thrust together as they imbibe in the unbelievable ecstasy of young love caught in dynamics of intrigue and power play promising the world as their oyster? Would you like to reflect on some major events of mid 1980s during the Reagan years? Intrigue Through Time encompasses all of these dynamics in a page turner that allows the reader to digest it all. Frederick Monderson, an African historian and Egyptologist, has written extensively on ancient Egypt. He can be reached at [email protected] SuMon Publishers PO Box 160586, Brooklyn, New York 11216, or, any of these others [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

INTRIGUE THROUGH TIME - Full of cliches, head-turning jewelry and an experiment that highlights memorable landmarks in Brooklyn, New York and Washington, DC, as well as in Egypt, the updated version or Second Edition has always been a page turner, a remarkable read and a classic literary tale. LADIES, have you ever looked for true love and couldn't find it then been "floored" by a handsome, dynamic and available young gentleman suddenly on the scene? Have you felt "your butter melt" in his presence and decided this is the person you would like to spend the rest of your life with? Have you had to strategize to keep your friends' "hands off your man?" If rich, have you wanted to share your wealth with this person because of how he makes you feel? Have your felt overjoyed in his presence at tourist spots, historically interesting places of your city, as in New York, viz., Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madison Square Garden, Circle Line, on a lengthy walk along 42nd Street and up 5th Avenue "window shopping;" experiencing goose bumps every step of the way? When at social functions parading "your catch," as he becomes the life of the party do you proudly walk on air? When entering a room and all eyes are on him, do you remind yourself "I have him and you don't?" Would you gladly accompany him on a foreign trip to view temples, museums, tombs of Egypt? These challenges Fantegla faced GENTLEMEN, have you "suddenly arrived" in a new country, city, culture, as if in a new time; and had to instantly adjust for your very survival? Have you had to hurriedly create a historic memory of your new environment? Have you been amazed as you visit memorable places as the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Gardens, enjoy the beautiful view of the New York skyline, attend the African Street Festival in Brooklyn, taken a ride on the New York City Subway and was stunned at the underground experience? Have you researched the New York Public Library Oriental Division and been captivated by its offerings? Can't work at your old profession, needing money, while possessing memorable antique jewelry, are you up to modern wheeling and dealing? How do you respond to a female acquaintance whose social demeanor, physical features and personality seem a carbon copy of your ancient "flame?" That first sip from the modern American honey pot is so surprisingly exhilarating, how would you feel to constantly long to return to do combat in the erogenous zone? How do you assess chances of returning to the old country to retrieve buried treasure that would set you up for life? These thought-provoking challenges confront two people, suddenly thrust together as they imbibe in unbelievable ecstasy of young love caught in dynamics of intrigue and power play promising the world as their oyster? Would you like to reflect on some major events of mid 1980s during the Reagan years as headlined in The New York Times? INTRIGUE THROUGH TIME encompasses all of these dynamics in a page turner that allows the reader to digest it all in easy reading. Open these pages and explore a rewarding experience. Frederick Monderson, an African historian and Egyptologist, has written extensively on ancient Egypt. He can be reached at [email protected] SuMon Publishers PO Box 160347, Brooklyn, New York 11216, or, any of these others [email protected] [email protected] and [email protected]