Published in 1975, this is the first of three volumes of highly regarded new translations of Egyptian literature with notes and commentary. Hieroglyphics had long been invented, but the Old and Middle Kingdoms (Dynasty 3-14; 2650-1650BC), saw the development and establishment of the great majority of Egyptian literary genres and styles. There is a representative sampling of: Old Kingdom Monumental inscriptions from private tombs; Pyramid Texts; Didactic literature. The works of the Middle Kingdom transition and Middle Kingdom itself include: Monumental inscriptions from private tombs; Monumental inscriptions; Didactic literature; Songs and hymns; and Prose tales.
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Some of the most famous texts are: The Instruction of Ptahhotep; Dispute between a Man and his Ba; The Eloquent Peasant; Satire of the Trades; Three Harpers' Songs; and The Story of Sinuhe. There are indexes covering divinities, kings and queens, personal names, geographical and ethnic terms, Egyptian words, and Major Concepts (akh, ba, ka, maat).
The review of this Book prepared by Michael JR Jose
