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The Book of Going Forth by Day The Complete Papyrus of Ani Featuring Integrated The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Paperback) - Common
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October 20, 2024
I read this out of curiosity. I've always been fascinated by Egyptian history, and wanted to know what Egyptians thought of death. The first part is a reproduction of the Papyrus of Ani, which is fascinating. The original papyrus was 3,500 years old, still intact, and gives us a great glimpse on their funerary process. It was just incredible to be able to see all of the various hieroglyphics and the incredible artwork.
The next section was the Theban Recension chapters. This was the least interesting to me. It read as more biblical - lots of praising of gods, etc. Apparently the original "spells" for the funerals were modified at times in Egyptian dynastic history, and this one was the Theban modification. I didn't get much from this.
The last part was the most interesting to me, because Dr. Goelet (professor of Egyptian Language and Culture at NYU) provides an explanation of each "plate" (i.e., section of the papyrus). I would have been lost without this. This is where you understand how Egyptians viewed death, what the purpose of the hieroglyphics was, why the "Going forth by Day" books were included in tombs (or coffins), what was recited at the funerals, and why, etc. Very fascinating stuff, and I think it gives you a very good glimpse into how Egyptians viewed death and their (hopeful) rebirth in the Duat (afterlife).
The next section was the Theban Recension chapters. This was the least interesting to me. It read as more biblical - lots of praising of gods, etc. Apparently the original "spells" for the funerals were modified at times in Egyptian dynastic history, and this one was the Theban modification. I didn't get much from this.
The last part was the most interesting to me, because Dr. Goelet (professor of Egyptian Language and Culture at NYU) provides an explanation of each "plate" (i.e., section of the papyrus). I would have been lost without this. This is where you understand how Egyptians viewed death, what the purpose of the hieroglyphics was, why the "Going forth by Day" books were included in tombs (or coffins), what was recited at the funerals, and why, etc. Very fascinating stuff, and I think it gives you a very good glimpse into how Egyptians viewed death and their (hopeful) rebirth in the Duat (afterlife).
Displaying 1 of 1 review