The Scepter of Egypt presents the culture of ancient Egypt as it is reflected in the large and comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The account - written by the eminent Egyptian Art at the Museum, William C. Hayes - traces cultural development from prehistoric times through the end of the New Kingdom. The historical narrative is wholly derived from the objects in the Museum's collection, which are understood as testimonials of the life, tastes, and thought processes of the ancient Egyptians, one of the most interesting and attractive people of the ancient world. The book provides the reader with both a detailed history of the art and culture of ancient Egypt and guide through the collection of the Metropolitan Museum's Egyptian galleries.