Egyptian Magic [Paperback]

E. A. Wallis Budge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2007

In the ancient world the magicians and priests of Egypt were legendary for their advanced magical powers. This book contains a complete record of the magical workings in ancient Egypt. In large part, there was no separation between religion and their sorcery and magic. The spells, rituals and incantations used were sometimes used on other people but were primarily focused on controlling the gods - who could then bestow a better life upon the people if all went well. Some subjects covered include the oldest known magical practices in Egypt, magical stones or amulets, spells, magical ceremonies, demonic possession, ghosts, lucky and unlucky days,casting horoscopes, the worship of animals, the magic of sounds, the use of wax images, curses, warding off hostile magic, and much more. Contains many excerpts from powerful magical papyri and tomb inscriptions, plus complete magical formulas both in English and in using the original Egyptian sounds as best as they can be recreated. Highly recommended for those researching the origins of magic or who wish to practice older methods from a mysterious and legendary culture from the past.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

In this classic work, first published in 1899, one of the most prolific Egyptologists of the Victorian era offers his renowned insight into the magical power names, spells, and talismans held for the ancient Egyptians. How did beliefs that predated the worship of deities come to become associated with controlling gods and goddesses? How did magical amulets ward off evil spirits? What role did scarabs serve in bestowing immortality?

The writings of E.A. Wallis Budge are considered somewhat controversial today because of his use of an archaic system of translation, but useful illustrations and an abundance of information make them necessary works for students of ancient civilizations as well as those of the evolution of historical study. This entertaining overview of the connection between religion and magic in ancient Egypt remain a vital resource today. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Book Tree (September 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585093173
• ISBN-13: 978-1585093175
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,992,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to the Egyptian mysteries., September 7, 2001

By 

Brian D. Baird "abaddonVSM" (Manama, Bahrain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Egyptian Magic (Paperback)

Unlike most of Budge's other works, this is written for the layman to understand. Though he still cannot resist showing off his skills as a scholar, one doesn't need a vast knowledge of Hebrew, Greek, Coptic, and Arabic alphabets to gain the book's full value (I often wonder if at some point in his career Budge didn't "sell out," writing books that people outside Oxford and Cambridge would want to read.). Virtually every amulet and talisman is covered, along with their proper use and materials they were made from. As always, the introduction and stories Budge gives are fascinating as well, giving tales not generally told in modern times and the various mechanics of how the Egyptian priests and magicians performed their magic. One can see why Budge's work is still in print, as he offers the reader a maximum of research and scholarship with none of the new-age BS that is so common in such books written today.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To be read with its companion, April 8, 1998

By 

Paul Secrett ([e-mail]) (Gothenburg, Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Egyptian Magic (Paperback)

To get complete satisfaction from this book you need to read it along with its companion book Egyptian Religion. These two books together go a lot further in explaining the myths, the reasons for and the usage of Egyptian artefacts than many other books which would cost you twice as much for half the pleasure.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Outdated but Interesting, November 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Egyptian Magic (Paperback)

This book was originality published in 1901 in a series called "Books on Egypt and Chaldaea". Needless to say, the information in this book is quit outdated. There are numerous errors in the text and some quite obvious. With that said, I think the book was interesting, and especially like the explanation of some of the spells in the "Egyptian Book of the Dead".