Egyptian Magic

by E.A. Wallis Budge

In this classic work, first published in 1899, one of the most prolific Egyptologists of the Victorian era offers his renowned insight into the magical power names, spells, and talismans held for the ancient Egyptians. How did beliefs that predated the worship of deities come to become associated with controlling gods and goddesses? How did magical amulets ward off evil spirits? What role did scarabs serve in bestowing immortality? The writings of E.A. Wallis Budge are considered somewhat controversial today because of his use of an archaic system of translation, but useful illustrations and an abundance of information make them necessary works for students of ancient civilizations as well as those of the evolution of historical study. This entertaining overview of the connection between religion and magic in ancient Egypt remain a vital resource today. SIR E.A. WALLIS BUDGE (1857-1934) was curator of Egyptian and Assyrian antiquities at the British Museum form 1894 to 1924. Among his many works of translation and studies of ancient Egyptian religion and ritual is his best-known project, The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

Genres: Egypt, Occult, Religion, Mythology

256 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2005

About the author

Sir Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis Budge was an English Egyptologist, Orientalist, and philologist who worked for the British Museum and published numerous works on the ancient Near East.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well not what I hoped for. I was looking for a nice overview of magical practices, like the dust jacket description made it sound like the book was about. Instead it is a more archeological review of recovered magical texts and scrolls. Not recommended

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's practically mandatory that any review of a book written by Budge has to mention that he was, at best, a questionable scholar, a lot of his theories/writings have been discredited, and so on. That said, he was an accessible writer who wrote on a wide range of subjects regarding Ancient Egypt.

I haven't come across too many books about the Egyptian attitudes and practices regarding magic. This book doesn't go into much detail, but it at least touches on some of the major points. It's a decent starting point, but by no means a thorough reading on the subject.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical events of Egyptian occult is among some of the reading information. It includes jeweled scarabs and amulets illustration. Learn the difference between white and black magic with there magical artifacts. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Quarto Knows for an honest review.

[Cassandra Chapel · Rating 1 out of 5]

The magical system is categorised as Christian and non-Christian. and the words 'savage' and 'semi-savage' is used in the first chapter. this book is heavily biased towards Christianity, which is somewhat understandable since the was written during Victorian times. However, sentences are long winded and worst of all, if completely fails to deliver on what the back promised.

Egypt had such a rich magical belief that I wanted to learn more on, instead this is an antiquity book written by someone who saw ancient Egyptians as less than.

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read and a great source for learning about some of the earliest Western scholarship on Ancient Egyptian culture. Apparently, Budge is regarded as irrelevant to some modern scholars, and many resent him as a source, due to his work being public domain and still selling. Nonetheless, despite any flaws now known in his research or of his translations of different texts, there is valuable knowledge given with passion, clarity, and discrimination that still stands up today. The influence of his writing cannot be underestimated, and I for one will always honor his contribution to Egyptian scholarship.

[Kingdomofkush718 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic book but not really dealing with Heka

I like Budge as an author and egyptologist!Would not recommend as far as magic(heka)is concern.Doesn't really deal with it.More like history in charms and the trailer dynasties

[Jessica Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG so boring

My gods was this long and boring. I tried so hard to keep reading and even had the kindle robot lady read it to me but the sentence were insanely long. A lot of them run on. But I finished the whole thing. Glad it was only 0.99. Not worth anymore than that.

[Amy Charboneau · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's okay

Not quite what I had in mind but not a terrible read. Hoped there would be more spells and incantations, but it is more of a history on magic in ancient Egypt. Still not a bad thing.