Mummies, Myth and Magic in Ancient Egypt

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, Scholarly Study with Amazing Photos
Review: I looked for a book on mummies after seeing the excellent television documentary hosted by Egyptologist Dr. Bob Brier. I saw this book and was a little skeptical. The title "Mummies, Myth, and Magic" sounded like a book that may sacrifice scholarship for a more mainstream account to appeal to those wanting to read about mummy curses, etc. I could not resist the fascinating photos in this book, so I bought it despite my reluctance over the title. I soon realized I was wrong to be the least bit skeptical. It is a very scholarly account by an obvious expert in the field. Christine El Mahdy details how mummies were buried during different periods; the mummification techniques; how Egyptians bargained with, communicated with, and regarded their various gods; animal cults, etc. A short section on the "curse" of the tombs is included at the end and is expertly written: "...the dead positively welcomed the living. Their immortality depended on the survival of their name..." (174). The author assumes nothing in her analysis and gives a clear, erudite account of every subject examined. She offers an excellent description of what it was like for a robber or collector like Giovanni Belzoni to enter a tomb. She also explains what information can be gathered from mummies; from age and health to the duties Egyptians had under certain titles. The illustrations in this book make it a must for the serious Egyptologist to the casual enthusiast. Symbolism and the design of sample tombs are clearly diagrammed. The photos and x-rays of mummies are fascinating. There is a disturbing photo of an unknown mummy that some witnesses to its discovery believe was buried alive that will stick with you long after you put down this book. In addition, a chronology of the different dynasties is included at the beginning of this book which is essential for readers like me who have a very limited background on Egyptian history. What impressed me most of all was the deep respect the author demonstrated towards this subject: "Few of the living were ever permitted even to gaze for long upon the face of a pharaoh--so perhaps it is presumptuous to demand more of them dead than they gave when alive" (91).

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating!
Review: This book is fascinating to say the least! When I first got it I spent an hour flipping though looking at pictures and reading the captions. When I finally got around to reading the 'book part' it was even more intriguing. Some might be unnerved by the pictures of the mummies, and its hard not to be with some of them (pg 66 for example ;) But I was glad to finally see what alot of other books only describe. This book is an excellent buy for the price. Great for those with an interest in Egyptian traditions/history and in mummies in general. Strong stomach recommended ;)

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating!
Review: This book is fascinating to say the least! When I first got it I spent an hour flipping though looking at pictures and reading the captions. When I finally got around to reading the 'book part' it was even more intriguing. Some might be unnerved by the pictures of the mummies, and its hard not to be with some of them (pg 66 for example ;) But I was glad to finally see what alot of other books only describe. This book is an excellent buy for the price. Great for those with an interest in Egyptian traditions/history and in mummies in general. Strong stomach recommended ;)

Rating:
Summary: great
Review: This book is worth 10 stars. there is so much info in this book and it is very easy to understand. when i first looked at this book of 192 pages i thought i would never get through it all but it was so easy once i picked it up i couldn't put it down. if you are interested in learning about ancient egypt this is the book to buy.