The religion and mythology of the ancient Egyptians, focusing on the lives of the deities as if they were the subject of an anthropological study.

Learning a bit more indepth about Egyptian mythology. This book may be a bit confusing for those new to the mythology, but is a good resource for those of us who are tired of reading the same trite descriptions of their most well-known myths. You're sure to get a few surprises here!

The references to many lesser-known myths that get no mention in the more mainstream books on this subject, and the fact that the gods are presented as all too human, with all their human vices and failings.

The length of the book--I'd like it to be MUCH longer!! ^_^

Use all the new (to me) myths to contribute to my fiction writing on this subject. I also wanted to read it again!

Very excited about all the different little-known details that other books on Egyptian mythology don't even mention. I was surprised that after over a decade of reading on the subject, there was still so much I didn't know!

Is Dimitri Meeks, with Christine Favard-Meeks (contributor) and M. Goshgarian (translator). The book has been translated from the French.

Classical mythology, in my opinion, is much overrated at the expense of Egyptian mythology. Many people can name at least several rulers from ancient Egypt, but few gods; and those gods who are mentioned are almost always the major ones everyone knows of. How much do they actually know of these deities, however? Osiris was the king of the dead, for example, but how many know the story of his death--at the hands of his own father, Geb? This goes without mentioning the lesser gods, who have interesting stories of their own--witness poor Baba, hauled off to kangaroo court by one of the most "upright" gods of all, Thoth. Long story short, if you think the lives of the Greek gods were filled with intrigue, check out THESE guys! (Want to know more? Read the book!)

It may be a bit difficult reading for those with no prior knowledge of the subject matter. Aside from that, I have NO reason not to recommend it. And if you're truly interested, don't let lack of prior knowledge dissuade you!

I have rated the content of this book at PG-13 due to the mention of various odd violent and/or sexual acts; those who know the mythology will know what I'm talking about. My further comments are simple: BUY THIS BOOK! Whether you're interested in Egyptian mythology or in mythology in general, it's an excellent read. I would buy everyone a copy of their own if I could. ;)

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Created Mar 13, 2003 at 5:44pm • Submit your own review...