Customer Reviews

Egyptian Magic

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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 Needless to say, the information in this book is quit outdated.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".

You ever wonder what the ankh meant? Or how about the scarab? This is the book you need. Everything from amulets, to talismans are destribe within the pages of this collection. From practical uses , to the magical power they had within, descriptions of ceremonies and all are here. Take this book home in your shopping cart, all you lovers of Egyptian culture

Obviously this book is not a complete record of the uses, and sources. When taken in the context that the author is writing at the end of the Victorian era(source of all the thees an thous in the translation) and that the English, at least at that time, had most of the artifacts, the book is really good for giving a feeling of how Egyptian "stuff" fit into the world structure at that point in time. (remember the writer is a "Sir" an part of the citadel gang). Sometimes the errors in earlier works provide greater insight than facts. (most religions) Aside from the "stiff upper lip" the reader found the book fun. And if you wanted to get Jungian how the four sons of Horus coincide with the psyco analytic stuff and the 4 goveners in Mayan mythology provide and interesting comparison.

COmparing to other books about ancient egyptain magick, this one is just okay.It does have it good qualities, but there are better one out there.