The Egyptian Book of the Dead: (The Papyrus of Ani) Egyptian Text Transliteration and Translation

by E.A. Wallis Budge

Book Overview

"The Egyptian Book of the Dead" is unquestionably one of the most influential books in all history. Embodying a ritual to be performed for the dead, with detailed instructions for the behaviors of the disembodied spirit in the Land of the Gods, it served as the most important repository of religious authority for some three thousand years. Chapters were carved on the pyramids of the ancient 5th Dynasty, texts were written in papyrus, and selections were painted on mummy cases well into the Christian Era. In a certain sense it stood behind all Egyptian civilization.In the year 1888, Dr. E. Wallis Budge, then purchasing agent for the British Museum, followed rumors he heard of a spectacular archeological find in Upper Egypt, and found in an 18th Dynasty tomb near Luxor "the largest roll of papyrus I had ever seen, tied with a thick band of papyrus, and in a perfect state of preservation." It was a copy of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, written around 1500 B.C. for Ani, Royal Scribe of Thebes, Overseer of the Granaries of the Lords of Abydos, and Scribe of the Offerings of the Lord of Thebes.This Papyrus of Ani, a full version of the Theban recension, is presented here by Dr. Budge, who later became perhaps the world's most renowned Egyptologist. Reproduced in full are a clear copy of the Egyptian hieroglyphs, an interlinear transliteration of their sounds (as reconstructed), a word-for-word translation, and separately a complete smooth translation. All this is preceded by an introduction of more than 150 pages. As a result of this multiple apparatus the reader has a unique opportunity to savor all aspects of the Book of the Dead, or as it is otherwise known, The Book of the Great Awakening.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 048621866X
• ISBN13: 9780486218663
• Release Date: June 1967
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An Outstanding addition for anyone interested in Egypt

This book is an outstanding translation and presentation of the books that make up the Papyrus of Ani. Faulkner is far superior to Budge, and this book proves it out. In addition to the beautiful pictures and fine translations, the commentaries in the back, along with the explanations of the vignettes contained in the papyrus are well worth the money. A must for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt and their culture.

Excellent Collection Of Hieroglyphic Information

Taken directly from the papyrus of Ani, an Egyptian scribe, The Egyptian Book of the Dead is a great collection of hieroglyphic information. Everything about the passage into the underworld is described in detail. Not only that, you can also learn some of the Egyptian hieroglyphs as y ou read along with Ani. Give this book a toss in your shopping cart , all you lovers of Egyptian myth and culture