This classic study remains the best single introduction to the Egyptian mythological world. The Egyptians lived apart from the rest of the ancient world, and it is this isolation that makes their ideas so difficult to appreciate and interpret. Egyptian though was presented in terms of mythology: myth was used to convey insights into the workings of nature and the ultimately indescribable realities of the soul ...

Spanning ancient Egyptian culture--from 3200 BC to AD 400--Pinch opens a door to this hidden world and casts light on the nature of myths and how they relate to the evolution of Egyptian culture. She includes a timeline covering the seven stages in the mythical history of Egypt and outlining the major events of each stage. A substantial A to Z section covers the principal themes and concepts of Egyptian mythology as well as the most important deities, demons, and other characters. This is an ideal introduction for students interested in learning about Egyptian myths, and the culture that created them.

R.T. Rundle Clark gives us an excellent and valuable introduction to the Egyptian mythological world, based upon the most reliable interpretations of their principal myths. In telling the myths, he allows the texts to speak for themselves as far as possible and gives considerable attention to the philosophical ideas that the myths were trying to express-- ideas that foreshadowed the philosophy of the Greeks and even touched on the perennial themes of Christian theology.

"Robert Armour's classic text, long cherished by a generation of readers, is now complemented with more than 50 new photographs by Egyptologist Edwin Brock and drawings by Elizabeth Rodenbeck that show the gods in their characteristic forms." "Armour maintains a strong narrative thread with illuminating commentary in his lively retelling of stories from Egyptian mythology, including those of the sun god Ra, the tragic tale of Isis and Osiris, the burlesque of Horus' battle with the evil Seth, and the "gods of the intellect" Thoth and Maat. Now with an updated bibliography and new appendices, this book is sure to inform and enchant a new generation of readers."--Jacket.

Readers everywhere will enjoy reading about the intriguing myths and the mysterious legends surrounding the history of Ancient Egypt. This excellent textbook contains details of Egyptian gods and goddesses, beliefs, and cults. Excerpt: "INTRODUCTORY 1 II. EXPLORATION, HISTORY, AND CUSTOMS 33 III. THE PRIESTHOOD: MYSTERIES AND TEMPLES 52 IV. THE CULT OF OSIRIS 63 V. THE GREAT GODS 130 VI. EGYPTIAN LITERATURE 182 VII. MAGIC 252 VIII. FOREIGN AND ANIMAL GODS: THE LATE PERIOD 275 IX. EGYPTIAN ART 311 GLOSSARY AND INDEX."