FROM OUR EDITORS

Classical literature has acquainted most of us with the pantheon of Greek and Roman gods. Less familiar, but every bit as fascinating, is the glorious galaxy of deities that enlivens the religion and mythology of ancient Egypt--from the moon god Aah to Wenut, goddess of the hours. Enhanced by the author's own delightful b&w illustrations (drawn in the style of hieroglyphs), this encyclopedic reference provides in-depth information on major and lesser-known gods and goddesses, great rulers from all dynasties, and other figures from Egyptian history; other entries help to illuminate the culture, technology, philosophy, and customs of this infinitely intriguing and mysterious civilization on the River Nile.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Who is Osiris? Which god was invoked by common folk to bring good luck? Who is the patron of childbirth? Such questions are answered in this updated and comprehensive dictionary of Egyptian mythology. This fascinating volume has alphabetically arranged entries on all the major gods, goddesses, myths, and themes of Egyptian mythology. In addition, there are entries on such topics as amulets, mummies, and pyramids; a chronology of Egyptian dynasties; a detailed introduction; and a complete annotated bibliography. Fifty pen-and-ink drawings by the author capture the spirit of ancient Egyptian art. In reworking this edition, Bianchi has attempted to retain Anthony Mercatante's sensitive approach to the religion of ancient Egypt, but has modified his treatment to bring it into conformity with more recent academic opinion. In addition, the annotated bibliography has been completely revised to eliminate outdated works and incorporate recent scholarship. The result should be useful to student and amateur alike.

Author Biography: Anthony S. Mercatante authored many books and articles on religion, mythology, and folklore. He was founder and Director of the Mythos Center in New York City, which is devoted to the study of religion as expressed in world mythology. Robert Steven Bianchi, an independent academic who serves as one of two national re-elected American representatives to the International Association of Egyptologists, is President of the Egyptological Seminar of New York, and a contributing editor to "Archaeology Magazine."

FROM THE CRITICS

Reference Reviews

The book is useful not only in its exhaustive coverage of all the deities of the ancient Egyptians, but also in the fascinating entries featured for a host of subjects relating to the religious, cultural, artistic and everyday objects of the period..

BookList

This is an edited and slightly revised edition of a 1978 book with the same title. The late Mercatante authored many books and articles on religion, mythology, and folklore. Bianchi, the editor of this edition, serves as an American representative to the International Association of Egyptologists and is a contributing editor to "Archaeology Magazine This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings by Mercatante, is extremely informative as well as entertaining. The entries, arranged in alphabetical order, are an exhaustive collection of everything pertaining to Egyptian mythology from "Aah" (an early moon god) to "Wisdom Literature". Each entry has a concise explanation of the mythological character or concept. In some cases, whole legends are given, as in "The Tale of Two Brothers" and "Setna and the Magic Book". A chronology of ancient Egyptian dynasties is included at the front of the book. The annotated bibliography has been updated by Bianchi to include new books as well as old standards This is a wholly satisfactory reference tool for anyone interested in the topic. A pronunciation key to the difficult names would be desirable. However, since Bianchi admits in the preface that he made very few changes to the dictionary proper, libraries owning the 1978 edition won't need to replace it with this one.

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