Take a photo of a barcode or cover
theesotericcamel 's review for:
The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day
by Carol Andrews, Unknown
This is a gorgeous facsimile edition of what is probably the best preserved example of "The Book of the Dead." This is the Papyus of Ani, which is in the British Museum collection. It is beautifully illustrated and scripted, and has survived the ravages of time. But an introduction and commentary that accompanies this edition soon reveals that there is no real definitive version of "The Book of the Dead." And what version one was buried with depended on one's wealth and social standing, as well as local variations. As such this edition also contains "The Theban Recension" which is considered a "complete" compilation of chapters from various editions of The Book of the Dead, and that are missing from Ani's version. Explained simply, the Book of the Dead was a collection of hymns and spells that were supposed to aid the soul of the deceased to get through the trails of the afterlife safely. It is indeed a cryptic work, but one that offers a glimpse of Ancient Egyptian theology and mortuary rights.
Each page contains a full colour facsimile of a "plate" from the Papyrus of Ani, along with an English translation of the Hieroglyphics under the plate. There is a commentary at the back of the book that explains some of the imagery on each plate, and the special significance of some of the texts. These go a long way in making the Book of the Dead accessible to the modern reader. That being said, the Book of the Dead is a complex work that alludes even studied Egyptologists. Reading and getting enjoyment of this book is less about understanding the text and more about experiencing it.
This is probably the most accessible version of the Book of the Dead in that it also highlights the visual appeal of the book itself and not just the text. For the ancient Egyptians, who wrote in hieroglyphics, visual imagery and the written word were very much entangled, making the Book of the Dead one of the earliest forms of "graphic literature." This is well exemplified in this edition. The large 36cm by 24 cm size of this edition helps with the experience, although the book also informs us that the images have been reproduced at 59% of their original size! I sometimes felt as if I had a large scroll in my hands that I would unroll bit by bit as I continued with the book. I feel lucky to have this in my library and to be able to experience this work of art.
Each page contains a full colour facsimile of a "plate" from the Papyrus of Ani, along with an English translation of the Hieroglyphics under the plate. There is a commentary at the back of the book that explains some of the imagery on each plate, and the special significance of some of the texts. These go a long way in making the Book of the Dead accessible to the modern reader. That being said, the Book of the Dead is a complex work that alludes even studied Egyptologists. Reading and getting enjoyment of this book is less about understanding the text and more about experiencing it.
This is probably the most accessible version of the Book of the Dead in that it also highlights the visual appeal of the book itself and not just the text. For the ancient Egyptians, who wrote in hieroglyphics, visual imagery and the written word were very much entangled, making the Book of the Dead one of the earliest forms of "graphic literature." This is well exemplified in this edition. The large 36cm by 24 cm size of this edition helps with the experience, although the book also informs us that the images have been reproduced at 59% of their original size! I sometimes felt as if I had a large scroll in my hands that I would unroll bit by bit as I continued with the book. I feel lucky to have this in my library and to be able to experience this work of art.