Customer Reviews

The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems, 1940-1640 BC (Oxford World's Classics)

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This excellent collection of translations of the key Middle Kingdom (the classical era of ancient Egyptian literature) literary texts supersedes the now dated translations of Lichtheim and Simpson. Those were great translations at the time they were made (26 and 15 years ago, respectively). However, Parkinson's have the benefit of up to date understanding of the ancient Egyptian language, are much more readable (he uses clear, modern English rather than the rather awkward, over-wordy and old fashioned English used by other translators) and have superb commentaries which clearly explain the meaning of each text. The commentaries will be very helpful to students of Egyptology, but are as valuable for the general reader as they provide background information, much of which is unlikely to be known to non-Egyptologists and which is essential to making sense of these ancient texts which can appear simple but are surprisingly complex. This book also comes out on top on price.

This book offers an English translation of the major literary works from the Middle Kingdom (ca 1940-1640 BC), golden age of Egyptian fictional literature. It includes the masterpiece The Tale of Sinuhe, The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant, The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor, The Teaching of Merikare, The Teaching of Ptahhotep and The Dialogue of a Man and his Soul. An introduction to each work is provided, followed by its translation. The glossary and bibliographic references are useful. Accessible to the general reader, this is an excellent introductory book for those interested in Ancient Egyptian literature.

This text is not dry or dull at all, but incredibly readable. It is also accurate - a priority with me. The selection is varied and should present something of interest for almost everyone. I highly recommend it.

Also good is "The Literature of Ancient Egypt : An Anthology of Stories, Instructions and Poetry" by R.O. Faulkner and William K. Simpson. However, I believe that this Oxford World Classics book is better presented and perhaps more enjoyable. It will provide many hours of good reading.

This book has something for everybody it has the ability to make you laugh, cry and think. It deals with real life situations and real emotions and has lessons that are as revelant today as the day they were written. Read this!

I enjoyed this primary source collection. Worthwhile reading if Ancient Egypt interests you.

There are some great stories here and much insight into the ancient Egyptians as a people. It is refreshing to have a view of them apart from either simple lists of kings or the pyramids. I hate to be provincial but the Tale of Sinuhe, the first story in the book, is as powerful as others claim. In some ways a tear jerker. My favorites were that, The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor, and the Teaching of Khety. You may have others.