A classic history of ancient Egypt from the pharaohs to the Greco-Roman period, first published in the 1950s and still noteworthy for its graceful, clear presentation and vivid prose. Wilson includes brief biographies of the famous and not-so-famous rulers. Reading the book is like spending time in the classroom of an old-fashioned and exceptionally well informed and articulate master teacher.  (EGY40, $16.00)