Behind Closed Eyes: Dreams and Nightmares in Ancient Egypt

by Kasia Szpakowska

This new book is the first to present a comprehensive study of dreams as they were perceived and interpreted by the Egyptians in the third and second millennia BC - from Old Kingdom to New Kingdom. The author examines the various roles dreams could play in ancient Egyptian society, whether political, religious, magical, or literary. Also considered is the value of dream-interpretation for the happiness of private individuals. The work is accessibly written, and should inform the wider study of psychology and comparative religion. Its arguments are based on an intimate study of the original Egyptian texts; the texts themselves are here set out in translation.

Genres: History

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Oh, bleak muse,
Speak now through me,
The speech of dreams,
My somniloquy."

-- Akhlys: "Somniloquy"