Customer Reviews

Reading Egyptian Art: A Hieroglyphic Guide to Ancient Egyptian Painting and Sculpture

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What a wonderful book!

The author takes 100 of the hieroglyphs used in writing Egyptian, and used in Egyptian art. (Symbols are identified by the Gardiner code number.) He dedicates 2 pages to each symbol - the right-hand page gives an analysis of the meaning and uses of the symbol, and the left-hand page, through line drawings and photographs, illustrates how the symbol is used.

Whether you study it page by page, or just dip in and browse, this book can be used, with profit, by anyone interested in the language or art of ancient Egypt.

Art language, the signs by which we interpret the meaning of art, is a specialized study. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to approach Egyptian art on a deeper level than a simple visual feast. Prof. Wilkinson has explained many of the common themes used by ancient Egyptian artists in simple terms, so that anyone who cares to read will be able to understand and appreciate the work in depth. I have found this book invaluable. The book is richly illustrated and the line drawings by Troy Sagillo are exquisite. Wilkinson has opened a path for me that I knew was there, but could not find.

Very well layed out,informative,excellent reference, yet easy to understand, assists with the learning of translation of some of the more common Hieroglyphics, especialy with tombs, ushabtis and other artefacts. "Gardiner's Sign List" was very well presented.

Wilkinson is a professor at the University of Arizona (or was) and I believe may still be directing that institution's work in the Valley of the Kings. As he points out in this volume, one of the things often missed in regards to Egyptian art is that it is intended to be "read". Even paintings and objects in the round are often constructed using hieroglyphs. The author gives a well written, organized overview of the rudiments of learning to see into Egyptian art more of what the artist intended the viewer to see. Very nicely illustrated with an excellent selection of examples.

If you want a succint and fascinating guide to understanding Egyptian art then this is for you. Arranged in a most unique style, Wilkinson's book captivates the reader and moves him into a richer understanding of Egypt's language and art. Richly illustrated, this masterpiece for the layman traces the impact that the Egyptian language had upon the ancient forms of art. It provides the reader with some basic information as well as specifics which will assist the layman in understanding and appreciating this great civilization. It moved me to purchase the companion volume which I cannot wait to read. Having been to Egypt twice, I can only say that this book is a MUST for anyone who is planning to travel there. I only wish that I had discovered this book before I went there! The only thing better would be if the author himself led you on a tour to this enchanting land!

This book is layed out in such a way as to give clear, concise and very easily accessible information on some of the most frequently occurring symbols in ancient Egyptian art. As such it is valuable as a reference book for anyone with a casual interest in this topic. It is also an excellent first book for those embarking on a more detailed study of either Egyptian art or Hieroglyphs.

This book is a clearly presented, well-written introduction to the layered symbolism and inter-relatedness of Egyptian art and hieroglyphs. When travelling in Egypt I referred to it frequently. It is an excellent book for tourists to Egypt not already familiar with its art because it provides good examples of images frequently encountered at ancient sites. One wishes more hieroglyphs were included, but the information for those covered is superb and whets the appetite for more

I agree this is a terrific book. It's not one I would read through, as it contains a lot of detailed information to absorb on each glyph. I find I read about a few at a time, then let it sink in for a while. Or I look up a specific hieroglyph I'm curious about. The discussions are very informative and interesting to read. Would make a good gift for someone interested in Ancient Egypt, too.

My mother just loves Egypt stuff and this was bought as a mother's day gift. I previewed it (just to see) and it is beautiful. I even caught myself reading it, as it was full of information and details. I've never seen an Egyption book like this before, and don't think I will ever come across one again.

I ordered this book for my sister as a graduation gift on the suggestion of a history teacher where I work. It takes particular symbols and shows you not only their meaning but where they appear in known hieroglyphic pictures. There aren't a lot of fancy color pictures, but a great deal of good, basic information