The second volume of the Beni Hassan series is devoted to the recording and study of the only decorated Old Kingdom tombs at the site. The tombs of Ipi and Bebi have never been completely recorded in drawing and photographs since their publication by J. Garstang in 1907. The examination comprises detailed coloured plates, complete line drawings as well as the translation and interpretation of all the scenes and inscriptions in the tomb. The commentary additionally includes a report on the tombs' architecture as well as a study of a large amount of pottery discovered in the shafts and dating to the period from the Sixth to the Twelfth Dynasty.

The book contains the excavation and recording of Tomb A4 and its decorated burial chamber belonging to Niankhpepy the Black, whose son Pepyankh the Black built two communicating tombs A1 and A2 for his father and himself, then linking the chapel of Tomb A1 to the burial chamber of Tomb A4 via a sloping passage. This is an exceptional example of filial affection in ancient Egypt. The scenes and inscriptions as well as the architecture of Tomb A1 have been re-recorded and are published in this volume. Minor tombs with finds were discovered in the rock-cliff face in the area between Tombs A1 and A4, and have been dated to the late Old Kingdom/early First Intermediate Period.

The tomb of Kahai and his family was previously published only in black and white photographs by Moussa and Altenmuller under the title of The Tomb of Nefer and Ka-Hay. As one of the most colourful tombs of the Old Kingdom, the present publication offers magnificently rich colour plates and context line drawings showing all the intricate details of the scenes and inscriptions. As such, this monograph is a significant addition to the study of Egyptian art in the Old Kingdom. Contrary to the belief that Nefer prepared the joint tomb for himself and his father Kahai, the author shows that we have here a rare case of a son dying before his father with the latter adding an alcove dedicated for his son in his chapel. Other sons of Kahai were later included in the decoration, making this a true family burial place."

Khnumhotep I was the first governer of the Oryx nome during Egypt’s formative Twelfth Dynasty. Appointed by Amenemhat I, his tomb at Beni Hassan is one of the most significant for its insights on a pivotal period in Egyptian history. For the first time since Newberry's publication in 1893, a record of the tomb and its preserved scenes and inscriptions is provided in colour photographs and detailed line drawings. The report includes a description of the tomb’s architecture, its various scenes on daily life, desert-hunting and militaristic activities, as well as a new copy and translation of Khnumhotep I’s biography.