The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Dictionary

I am going to Egypt and wanted some extra information

I am thoroughly enjoying this book so far.

Lurker lists more individual topics than other books on the same subject, such as  Reading Egyptian Art  or  Myth and Symbol in Ancient Egypt . The topics that you're not likely to see elsewhere include physical objects and general concepts like "fragrance", "mountain", "number", "right–left", and "shadow"; some of the more obscure symbols specific to Egypt such as the sa sign or the shemset girdle; and many minor Egyptian deities. But the entries are generally short, and the discussion in each one feels superficial in a way that I can't quite put my finger on. More worrisome is the cultural and religious history near the beginning of the book, which repeats several obsolete ideas, e.g., the belief that the sed festival was a replacement for a prehistoric ritual regicide, or the "racial" makeup of the Predynastic population of the Nile Valley. (The passage on the latter includes a claim that I've never seen before, that anthropomorphic gods were of Semitic origin and animal deities were worshipped by the North African population. It should go without saying that this notion is nonsense.) If you really want to know about some of the less frequently covered topics listed here, Lurker's book might be worth getting, but if you're looking for an introduction to Egyptian symbolism, I don't recommend it.

This title has two disvantages: there is a lot of information that is not referenced and that there is other which is completely outdated. Surely, I will not recommend this one for any newcomer and much less for any professional in the field. Illustrations are the only interesting thing in this title, and not so much so. Look for other "dictionaries" on Egyptian religion if you really want to know...

Nice price

This superb book was actually a present for my Mum, who loved it!!! It is a great book, giving details of ancient symbols and meanings from Ancient Egypt. It is a must for all those out there who have visited, or who are mystified by the fascinating country of Egypt. The cleverness of this race goes beyond words. For all those out there who have never been to Egypt, but are considering going, YOU HAVE TO!!!! I`ve been 3 times in a year. Believe me, you will never want to come home!!! The air of mystery in this country is almost eerie....but beautifully eerie....and this book gives you an insight of what to expect, especially at the pyramids, or even in jewellers when choosing your name in Heiroglyphs!!! Definately a book for recommendation, and definately a place to visit!!! Enjoy your purchase as much as my Mum and I did!!! Thank you...Michelle.

my son is fascinated by all ancient history