The Wisdom of Ptah-Hotep: Spiritual Treasures from the Age of the Pyramids and the Oldest Book in the World [Hardcover]

Christian Jacq (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 13, 2006

Egyptologist, essayist and novelist, Christian Jacq is one of the most widely read authors in the world. Here, he presents a new vision of one of the pillars of Egyptian wisdom and the key to an era of rich spirituality which has much to offer. Ptah-Hotep was a philosopher and leading statesman in the Egypt of 2400 BC. Having reached the great age of 110 he decided to pass on his experience by setting down a collection of sayings, or 'wisdoms.' Miraculously preserved, his work has a real claim to be the oldest book in the world and offers not only wisdom but an exceptional insight into the life and philosophy of the ancient world. As second in command to the fifth-dynasty pharaoh Djedkare Isesi, Ptah-Hotep's work is crucial to our understanding of the golden age of the Ancient Empire (around 2640—2040 BC). Through this book we can see into the mind of the sage and share his most intimate reflections. Styled as advice from father to son or master to pupil, his words offer counsel on timeless topics such as the art of governing, the nature of true knowledge, and how to enjoy a harmonious life without violence.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christian Jacq is the bestselling author of over fifty books about Egypt and is the head of the Ramses Institute for the preservation of endangered archaeological sites. His fivebook suite of biographical novels about the great pharaoh Ramses II has been published in more than 25 countries.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (September 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786718293
• ISBN-13: 978-0786718290
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > History > Ancient > Africa
  • #76 in Books > History > Africa > Egypt

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOTEP'S THE MAN!!, February 21, 2011

By 

diezelish - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Wisdom of Ptah-Hotep: Spiritual Treasures from the Age of the Pyramids and the Oldest Book in the World (Hardcover)

THIS SHOULD BE EVERY BLACK MAN AND WOMEN'S BIBLE....PERIOD!!!!!

PETER,PAUL,NOR JESUS GOT NOTHING ON PTAH-HOTEP!! THIS IS THE REAL BIBLE! HOTEP

4.0 out of 5 stars Love, love, love this book!, January 17, 2012

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Eris (Florida) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Wisdom of Ptah-Hotep: Spiritual Treasures from the Age of the Pyramids and the Oldest Book in the World (Hardcover)

If you're ready to break outside your normal parameters, buy this book. The Maxims are quite short, simple and to the point, but also deep and timeless. If you have an open and contemplative heart, and are ready to change your perspective on life, read on. "A big heart, in a man or woman, is a gift". Well said....

5.0 out of 5 stars One of The True Sources of the Bible!!!!, December 26, 2011

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Nagarjuna aka Niggajunior - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Wisdom of Ptah-Hotep: Spiritual Treasures from the Age of the Pyramids and the Oldest Book in the World (Hardcover)

Funny how the old testament is a plagiarized version of this Great African Writing...The Bible is not the word of "God" but a plagiarized version of Ptah Hotep...The Bible is not a true historical document and people just blindly follow and believe in something that is a bunch of "Tom Foolery" Get the book it shows how the stole the information and created Proverbs. Majority of the people in the bible were mythological. Spirituality has nothing to do with a human story.