The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Complete Papyrus of Ani

The Egyptian Book of the Dead, unquestionably one of the most influential books in all history, is now available in a new edition, perfect for history buffs, budding archaeologists, or mythology enthusiasts. Containing the ancient ritual to be performed for the dead with detailed instructions for the behavior of the soul in the afterlife, 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, representing all history and research of Egyptian civilization. In 1888, Dr. E. A. Wallis Budge, then purchasing agent for the British Museum, followed rumors of a spectacular archaeological find in Upper Egypt and discovered a perfectly preserved papyrus scroll in an 18th Dynasty tomb near Luxor. 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 Lords of Thebes. This Papyrus of Ani is now presented by Dr. Budge, with a clear copy of the Egyptian hieroglyphs, an interlinear transliteration of their sounds (as reconstructed), a word-for-word translation, and a complete smooth translation, all preceded by an original introduction of more than 150 pages. Combining this classic material with a brand-new foreword by Dr. Foy Scalf of Chicago University, this new edition gives the reader a unique opportunity to experience all the fascinating aspects of The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

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