Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: How to Read the Secret Language of the Pharaohs

by Bridget McDermott, Joan Fletcher (Foreword)

For beginners and Egyptologists alike, reading hieroglyphs provides fascinating insights into the land and lore of the pyramids. Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs is the only fully illustrated, easy-to-use guide to the meaning and mystery behind this ancient language. A history of hieroglyphs and instructions for how to read them are complemented by vocabulary lists and photographs of real inscriptions. In each chapter, skill-building exercises weave together with details of Egyptian life. Who could have imagined that the sign for the word "millions" is a lizard because Egypt was once overrun with reptiles? Hieroglyphs literally paint portraits of the ancients, depicting everyone from the pharaoh in his court to the farmer along the flooded Nile. Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs reveals the beauty and hidden marvels of one of the world's most intriguing cultures.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Egyptology, Egypt, Reference, Mythology, Egyptian Literature

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kestrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very good introduction to reading Egyptian Hieroglyphs. However, if you want to master them it won't take you very far. I'd reccomend studying textbooks by Sir Alan Henderson Gardiner for that. Those can cost a lot though, so reading this book to find out if you realy want to learn Egyptian is a good start. One thing I appreciated in this book was the photographs of real inscriptions. I haven't seen that done well in any other book on hieroglyphs.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had really interesting information on the basics of Hieroglyphs. I will probably need to read it again to really understand some ideas. The book also had a lot of background on the why of the writing of hieroglyphs, so I was able to learn about ancient Egyptian culture as well. I recommend it to anyone interested in Hieroglyphs and ancient Egypt.

[Fred Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book probably 20 years ago at a museum that was doing an Egyptian exhibition. Having recently read some Egyptian history I pulled it out and finally read it. I really liked the book. It's extremely well illustrated and presents information in clear, digestible chunks. It's definitely a good beginning introduction. Which is about all that I'm looking for. I know there are books out there that are more suitable as deeper texts but this is well done.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro bonito, con buenas fotos, y con nociones básicas de jeroglíficos. Pero no trata solo de eso, es como una introducción al antiguo Egipto en general, con mención de jeroglíficos en cada apartado.

[Cato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mooi boek, heel leerrijk.
Had meer informatie verwacht over de oorsprong van de hiërogliefen en vanwaar bepaalde tekens komen. Het boek legt de focus meer op het lezen en ontcijferen.
Mooie illustraties en foto's in het boek.

[Rhonda Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always had a fascination with Egypt. Even more so when I learned my fathers ancestry line goes all the way back to the Egyptian princess Scota. Interesting read.

[ArchaeoLibraryologist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of hieroglyphs with commonly used phrases and background information on where some of the signs originated.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting and DEFINITELY a book I'd have loved as the pretentious child I was!

[Mips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elke ouder met een aantal kinderen in huis komt er ooit wel eens 'eentje' tegen: een kind dat plots 'kickt' op de Egyptische beschaving :)
Hier loopt er ook zo eentje rond en onlangs kwam hij van de bib met dit boek!
Ronduit prachtig!!!
Fris, toegankelijk, leerrijk, zeer mooie illustraties!!!
Vijf bevattelijke hoofdstukken: achtergrond bij ontdekking en ontcijfering van het hiëroglyfenschrift - oorsprong van de tekens - goddelijke kunst van het schrijven - belangrijke onderwerpen - grammatica en zinsbouw
Uitermate BOEIEND!!!
Kan nu zelf zinnen schrijven als:
-' alle koeien, hun harten wenen'
- 'Ach, laat mij niet kwebbelen'
- 'Iedere man is een rebel in zijn huis' (???)
- 'Ik ben niet volmaakt'
Een ideaal geschenkboek; en ja, ik wil het!

[Kimberly Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of language, a bit of history, and a bit of culture all rolled into one. Thanks to this book, I was able to read some of the inscriptions at a recent museum exhibition I viewed. It is one I come back to again and again, not just as a reference but to read straight through.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so I am a history nerd. I love these kind of books. I enjoyed learning the ancient Egyptian written language. Plus it's fun to doodle hieroglyphs in class and watch people wonder about you. Great book, very recommended

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: How to Read the Secret Language of the Pharaohs review

[Tom Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a fan of ancient Egypt as I am this is a great intro to those mystifying writings on the walls! I just got it haven't started yet but I expect it to be very informative.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the main book i used to learn to read and write hieroglyphs as a teenager :)
not really pagan but fits in with the shelf i have it on :)

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just enhanced my love and the mystery of ancient Egypt.