HIEROGLYPHS AND THE AFTERLIFE IN ANCIENT EGYPT

FORMAN Werner, QUIRKE Stephen

ISBN 10: 0714109959 / ISBN 13: 9780714109954

Published by British Museum Press 0714109959, 1999

About this Item

1st edn. 4to. Original gilt lettered dark blue cloth (VG), lacks dustwrapper. Pp. 192, illus with colourd photos (no inscriptions).

Seller Inventory # 132651

Bibliographic Details

• Title: HIEROGLYPHS AND THE AFTERLIFE IN ANCIENT EGYPT
• Publisher: British Museum Press 0714109959
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0714109959
• ISBN 13: 9780714109954
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Egyptology

About this title

Synopsis

Egyptian hieroglyphs unite art and writing in a conscious plan to attain eternal life. The success of that plan can be read in the 3000-year lifespan of Pharaonic tradition, and can only be understood through its religious foundation. This study sets out the history of the texts designed to guarantee life beyond death, from the "Pyramid Texts" for kings and queens, c. 2400 BC, to the "Book of the Dead" used by king and subject alike after 1600 BC. The book considers how this literature finally met its end under the combined pressures of Greek-speaking government, Roman occupation, and conversion to Christianity.