"Three Penn Egyptologists examine the concept of royal power and demonstrate how Akhenaten established, projected, and maintained his vision of it. They investigate how and why this unique pharaoh made fundamental changes in the social contract between himself and his subjects on one side, and his new solar god, the Aten, and himself on the other. The authors also look at the radical religion, politics, and art he introduced to Egypt as well as at the consequences of his actions after his death, including how his successors, most notably, Tutankhamun, Egypt's most famous pharaoh - dealt with the restoration of traditional ways. In a concise and readable form, this generously illustrated volume takes a fresh approach to a most fascinating period in Egyptian history."--Jacket.