Hieroglyphics: The Writings of Ancient Egypt

by Maria Carmela Betro

A complete handbook revealing the secrets of the hieroglyphic writing of the Nile Valley, which provides a still-vivid snapshot of the gods, the people, and the everyday life of the Ancient Egyptians. Both literal and highly lyrical, hieroglyphics bring alive a distant world, with descriptions of the natural environment, the art, the society, the religious beliefs, and even the philosophical basis of a culture that flourished 5,000 years ago. Presenting and explaining almost 600 of the figures used in the classic phase of Egypt's "sacred writing," this fascinating volume traces the origins and the meaning of each sign, as well as its graphic stylization. An opening essay reveals the secrets of the hieroglyphic system, including its development and its structural characteristics, and emphasizes the sacred, evocative, even magical power of the form, which ― unlike our own abstract alphabet ― is immediate and expressive. Concluding the book are a complete glossary, a bibliography, and an index, designed to make this book invaluable to the casual reader as well as the student and specialist.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Language, Egyptology, Egypt, Linguistics

252 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it highly informative. It helped me understand the life and culture of the Egyptians so much better and helped me with the story I was writing that dealt with Ancient Egyptian Culture. The only thing that bothered me was the organization of the book, or the lack thereof. The way the chapters were divided into specific types of glyphs was helpful, but the fact that within each division there was no rhyme nor reason to the content... It drove me a little bit crazy. Still, if anyone is interested in ancient Egyptian history I would definitely recommend this book. It was a very good read.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting bits of Egyptian culture and beliefs included with explanations of specific hieroglyphic symbols and a brief general overview of the system of writing. Not the easiest thing for a layperson to absorb, but plenty of illuminating facts for anyone interested in Egyptology.

[Sophie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, really helped me get to grips with basic hieroglyphics.

[ArchaeoLibraryologist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good visual of hieroglyphs, their demotic and coptic counterparts, and an explanation of what those signs represent.