Mummies, Myth and Magic in Ancient Egypt [Paperback]

Christine El Mahdy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1991

Describes the origins and purpose of mummification, clears up misconceptions about mummies, and looks at recent scientific studies.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

El Mahdy's previous popular work, Exploring the World of the Pharaohs (Thames & Hudson, 1987), was published under the name of Christine Hobson. The present encyclopedic work incorporates a complete bibliography on mummies, a chronology, a glossary, a list of locations of mummies, and detailed explanations of over 150 colorful and unusual illustrations. Scholars may be frustrated by the lack of references to sources of unusual facts, but outstanding chapters on the creation of a mummified corpse, research projects and current analysis, Egyptian mythology and burial practices, and animal sacrifice and mummification prove fascinating and informative for the scholar and general reader alike.
- Paula I. Nielson, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (April 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500275793
• ISBN-13: 978-0500275795
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,630,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just read it! :), August 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mummies, Myth and Magic in Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

"Mummies, Myth, and Magic" explores practically all facets of its chosen subject matter: burial, preparation, symbolism, even the excavators charged with elaborating on all of the above. The essays spent on modern mummy examinations are fascinating, not to mention the fabulous photography. The affect of various periods in Egyptian history--such as the Intermediate periods and the Amarna period--on the country's religious beliefs/expectations is also discussed. Oh, enough with my being well-spoken.... Just read it! :)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for both the mildly interested and avid Egyptologist., August 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mummies, Myth and Magic in Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

Even if you just want a peek at the eternally preserved rulers of Eqypt that lived and died centuries ago, or if you are seeking to expand your knowledge of ancient Egyptian culture, this book is for you. It is chock-full of amazing photos of mummies (both human and animal) and Egyptian art, and even a few mummy X-rays. This book will surprise and perhaps creep you out, but it will not bore you. The text is engaging and well-written; you'll be edified without even knowing it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, Scholarly Study with Amazing Photos, March 30, 2003

By 

mwreview "mwreview" (Northern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mummies, Myth and Magic in Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

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).