Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology [Hardcover]

Anthony S. Mercatante (Author), Robert Steven Bianchi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995 | ISBN-10: 0810829673 | ISBN-13: 978-0810829671 | Edition: 2nd

Who is Osiris? Which god was invoked by common folk to bring good luck? Who is the patron of childbirth? Such questions are answered in this updated and comprehensive dictionary of Egyptian mythology. This fascinating volume has alphabetically arranged entries on all the major gods, goddesses, myths, and themes of Egyptian mythology. In addition, there are entries on such topics as amulets, mummies, and pyramids; a chronology of Egyptian dynasties; a detailed introduction; and a complete annotated bibliography. Fifty pen-and-ink drawings by the author capture the spirit of ancient Egyptian art.

In reworking this edition, Bianchi has attempted to retain Anthony Mercatante's sensitive approach to the religion of ancient Egypt, but has modified his treatment to bring it into conformity with more recent academic opinion. In addition, the annotated bibliography has been completely revised to eliminate outdated works and incorporate recent scholarship. The result should be useful to student and amateur alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This is an edited and slightly revised edition of a 1978 book with the same title. The late Mercatante authored many books and articles on religion, mythology, and folklore. Bianchi, the editor of this edition, serves as an American representative to the International Association of Egyptologists and is a contributing editor to Archaeology Magazine.

This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings by Mercatante, is extremely informative as well as entertaining. The entries, arranged in alphabetical order, are an exhaustive collection of everything pertaining to Egyptian mythology from Aah (an early moon god) to Wisdom Literature. Each entry has a concise explanation of the mythological character or concept. In some cases, whole legends are given, as in The Tale of Two Brothers and Setna and the Magic Book. A chronology of ancient Egyptian dynasties is included at the front of the book. The annotated bibliography has been updated by Bianchi to include new books as well as old standards.

This is a wholly satisfactory reference tool for anyone interested in the topic. A pronunciation key to the difficult names would be desirable. However, since Bianchi admits in the preface that he made very few changes to the dictionary proper, libraries owning the 1978 edition won't need to replace it with this one.

Review

This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings is extremely informative as well as entertaining. (Reference Books Bulletin )

The book is useful not only in its exhaustive coverage of all the deities of the ancient Egyptians, but also in the fascinating entries featured for a host of subjects relating to the religious, cultural, artistic and everyday objects of the period. (Reference Reviews )

...I always reach for my 'Mercatante,' for a clear, accurate and succinct description; thus saving me valuable research time. (Wendy Kuhne )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press; 2nd edition (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810829673
• ISBN-13: 978-0810829671
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #372,989 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Egyptian tales are included in this book, July 15, 2000

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology (Hardcover)

Alphabetically organized, this dictionary lists numerous entries on the Egyptian pantheon of gods, mythology and religious beliefs. It also covers such subjects as mummies, pyramids, magic and calendar. The complete translation of major Egyptian tales (The Tale of Sinuhe, the Tale of the Magicians and the Doomed Prince, among many others) are included in this book. Illustrated in black and white, it is mostly useful for students of Egyptology.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction..., February 24, 2009

By 

a customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology (Hardcover)

This book was written for the beginner in my opinion; however, it is a pretty good introduction. One thing I like about it are the "complete" myths. Many versions of the stories exist, and often they differ from one another. In this volume, all the existing stories are combined to form one story. But it's impossible to say how complete they actually are as there could still be other versions yet undiscovered.

The size is also nice. A lot of my Egyptian reference books are large and heavy which makes them hard to read in bed. For its size, this book has a lot of information which keeps me from having to lug out the big guns all the time.

I must say though, considering Amazon's $42.83 price tag for a new copy I was expecting a lot more. I bought a good used copy for $12 and I'm glad that's all I paid.

5.0 out of 5 stars Filled cover to cover with condensed myths, October 7, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology (Hardcover)

Now in a revised and updated second edition, Who's Who In Egyptian Mythology compiled and co-authored by Antony S. Mercatante and Robert Steven Bianchi presents the Egyptian pantheon and a compendium of related topics, historical personages, and themes pertinent to it in and arranged in an alphabetical order, and an encyclopedia-style, from Akhenaten to Zehuti (another name for Thoth). A most fascinating reference filled cover to cover with condensed myths, history, and archaeological discoveries, Who's Who In Egyptian Mythology is a highly recommended addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library Egyptology reference collection.