Echoes of Egyptian Voices: An Anthology of Ancient Egyptian Poetry

by John L. Foster (Translator)

Many important literary texts of ancient Egypt are recreated in translations (by Foster) that are literary rather than literal, conveying the spirit as well as the substance of each text. Included are compositions not readily available elsewhere, such as selections from The Leiden hymns , the conclusion to "The Testament of Amenemhat," and "Menna's Lament." Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: Poetry, Egyptology

134 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I obviously can’t speak to the accuracy of the translations but I do think those were beautifully done and I appreciate the effort and talent that went into doing so and of course the beauty and talent of the poems and stories themselves. A particular favorite of mine was “The Harper’s Song for Inherhawy” and the following line has stuck with me since I read it -

“So, seize the day! Hold holiday!
Be unwearied, unceasing, alive,
you and your own true love;
let not your heart be troubled
during your sojourn on Earth,
but seize the day as it passes.”

I think it’s so magical how words written thousands of years ago to soothe ones worried soul still have their intended effect today.