The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying : The Illustrated Guide to Ancient Egyptian Wisdom

by Joann Fletcher

. 2002, bright clean copy, no markings, Professional booksellers since 1981

Genres: Egyptology, Nonfiction, Egypt, History, Reference, Wicca

1000 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Dr. Joann Fletcher is Honorary Research Fellow at York University and consultant Egyptology at Harrogate Museums and Arts. She specializes in the history of mummification and has studied mummies on site in Egypt, Yemen and South America as well as in museum collections around the world. Recently she led groundbreaking work in Egypt's Valley of the Kings to re-examine three royal mummies, one of which may be that of Nefertiti - news that has attracted international coverage.
She has made nuerous appearances on television as well as radio, and writes for both The Guardian newspaper and the BBC's History Online website. Her publications include Egypt's Sun King: Amenhotep III, The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying and The Oils and Perfumes of Ancient Egypt, and she has contributed sections in several major guide books to Egypt.

























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Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of principle I try to finish all the books I read, even the ones I don't care for. This is the exception.

It's not a bad book, it's certainly an interesting look at Egyptians deities and the evolution of religion over 3,000 years. My problem is it's confusing to understand what Gods stood for what, because it's so contradictory. Which makes sense, you can find contradictions in just about any long standing religion, but I found it aggravating when I had to remember what God stood for what. It wouldn't have been such a big deal if the Gods didn't stand for so many things.

I guess in the end I wasn't really all that interested in the subject. I got to page 80 something, then realized I had books I actually wanted to read, so now I'm off to read those.

[Lauren G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK book. It's confusing, because the slim volume with bright colors,drawings, and photographs with small asides every few pages looks like it is a elementary school textbook, but it is definitely written for a slightly older audience.

The book is a little dry and it was hard to keep myself interested. It left me wanting more information and complete myths (which it lacked for the most part). It seems like a good overall overview of how religion was involved in the every day life of an ancient Egyptian.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joann Fletcher presents a really good basic introduction to ancient Egyption mythology in The Egyptian Book of Living & Dying. It tells you a little bit about many different topics without overloading you with too much information.
I really liked all the pictures because I often need a visual example of something which is being discribed. The book is a good "launching pad" for people who want to learn more about ancient Egyption religion and culture. Iwould recommend this book and I'm confident I'll read it again.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lavishly illustrated The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying is an accessible introduction to Ancient Egyptian metaphysics, belief, and religion. Egyptian mythology and religion were highly syncretist and absorbed whatever gods and beliefs were accepted by its people. Egyptians, for instance, recognized three incompatible creation myths but felt no need to reconcile them. Over time the number and nature of the gods multiplied to the thousands. The core of Egyptian belief is that the forces of chaos and disorder must daily be struggled against by the forces of order and truth, and the Pharaoh is the essential link between the land and people of Egypt and order. Even the Sun, arguably the most important god, had to struggle mightily against the forces of evil and disorder every night to be able to rise again in the morning. The afterlife for those who lived a blameless life was much like life, which is why the living made provisions to take food, clothing, and tools with them to the afterlife.

This is a fascinating book, a way of looking at the world that is alien to us, which makes it a worthwhile read.

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying is an excellent summation of the rich, diverse religion of the ancient Egyptians. It provides a brief overview of the major deities, explores the ways religion played a part in the daily lives of the Egyptians, and the way that they related to death and what lay beyond.
This book is beautifully designed; the bright colours and illustrations throughout reflect the splendour of Egyptian art and bring the words to life.
This book is a delight, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to dive into the beautiful, complex, and sophisticated religion of the ancient Egyptians.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book and very informative. Egyptian religion and culture was clearly quite frank on certain things that we tend to be a bit more reserved about, so although it looks like a children’s book or a school text book, it is really for the grown ups.

[Connie Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this little book. It's full of beautiful illustrations and brief but well-written summaries of ancient Egyptian spiritual beliefs. It includes numerous symbols that gave meaning to life's most meaningful events. A great little reference book for home use and as a coffee table book to browse through often.