One of the best general reference books and resources on ancient Egypt currently available, The British Museum Dictionary of Ancient Egypt is written by two men who are experts on Egypt, and their love of the civilization is quite evident on every page. From Abu Gurab (the site of the Pyramid of Righa) to Zawiyet el-Aryan (the site of two unfinished pyramids), the book covers lots of territory (pyramids, pharaohs, deities, mummification, and much much more).

What's particularly nice is that every entry is followed by a relevant bibliography so that the reader can pursue more detailed information. The book also has 420 illustrations, about 170 in full color. There are maps and architectural plans and excellent back matter (pharaohs by dynasty, list of Egyptologists, alphabetical list of tomb owners in Western Thebes, including a thorough 12-page index).