The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day - Hardcover

Wasserman, James

3.9

5,498 ratings by Goodreads

9780981773605: The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0981773605 ISBN 13: 9780981773605

Publisher: KWS Publishers, 2008

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The ancient purpose of the funerary papyrus known as "Book of the Dead of Ani" was to guide the Egyptian soul to the afterlife, and the iconic text of the ancient culture is presented here for the first time as a single volume. The original is 78 feet in total length and 3,500 years old; this presentation contains the original facsimile edition from 1890. The hieroglyphic text and vignettes are juxtaposed with the English translation of each chapter on the same page that the Egyptian text occurs. The power, wisdom, and spiritual vision offered in its pages goes back to the spiritual and cultural roots of humanity. This beautiful artifact will be a prized possession for those interested in the world of ancient Egypt--and in the beginnings of civilization itself.

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Review:

""The Egyptian Book of the Dead" is a collection of writings that were placed in tombs as a means of guiding the ancient Egyptian soul on its journey to the afterlife. The Papyrus of Ani, which is reproduced here, is one of the most important and beautiful of the surviving papyri. Damage in the 19th century seriously confused its sequencing and the relationship between text and illustrations. Here for the first time the scroll is presented in its proper sequence and in its entirety. The English text is placed immediately underneath the corresponding hieroglyphs, and the reproductions are faithful to the originals in all their glowing color. A critical purchase for any serious collection of materials on ancient Egypt." --"Library Journal" "This magnificent book is the first complete presentation of the "Papyrus of Ani," featuring graphics that reveal beautifully the texture of the original papyrus, coupled with the translated text. The original papyrus, on its discovery, was cut into sections for transport. The careless cutting of uneducated workers left the manuscscipt almost indecipherable, and to date only sections of it have been made available to the public. Computer imaging allowed the papyrus to be pieced into its original state, and a faithful translation was then possible. This document is precious not only for its historic significance, but also for its glimpse into the ancient Egyptian religion and its teachings about the passage from life to death. Commentaries and other notes make this work even more accessible. A spectacularly beautiful work of devotion." --"NAPRA Trade Journal" ""The Papyrus of Ani - The Book of Going Forth by Day," created around 1250 B.C.E., is the best surviving example of some 200 texts comprising the funerary scrolls that accompanied deceased Egyptians into the afterlife. "The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day" presents the complete papyrus, photographed from an 1890 facsimile edition, with an English translation by the late Raymond O. Faulkner." --"Publishers Weekly" ""The Egyptian Book of the Dead" is a remarkable volume. It is based on the "Papyrus of Ani," which, with the exception of the Rosetta Stone, is the most famous Egyptian object in the collections of the British Museum. Its fame is due in no small part to the quality of the illustrated vignettes that rank among the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian painting. . . I, for one, would hope that readers will henceforth refrain from relying on Budge's outdated editions and turn to this volume instead. The quality of the large-format plates, several of which include foldouts; the authoritative translation based on that of R.O. Faulkner, which is considered in the opinion of many experts to be one of the best translations; and commentary by Ogden Goelet make this book a must for all libraries." --"Archaeology"

About the Author:

James Wasserman is a graphic designer, an editor, and the author of "Illustrated History of the Knights Templar," "The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art," and "The Temple of Solomon." He lives in New York City. Dr. Ogden Goelet is a professor of Egyptian language and culture at New York University. He lives in New York City. Carol Andrews is a former curator of the Department of Egyptian Antiquities at the British Museum. Dr. Raymond Faulkner was a renowned British Egyptologist, the translator of many key Egyptological texts, and author of numerous scholarly publications.

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