The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt

From Publishers Weekly

Egyptologist Wilkinson presents a clear, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated (in color and b&w) guide to the bewildering array of Egyptian deities-a complete catalogue of gods and goddesses supplemented by examinations of the history of Egyptian religion, the rise and fall of the gods, and the ways in which they were worshipped. Ancient Egypt was, Wilkinson writes, the most theocratic of any ancient culture; religion pervaded daily life for comoners as well as the pharaohs. This volume underscores the richness of ancient Egyptian beliefs: literally scores of deities are discussed, grouped by appearance: male anthropomorphic, female anthropomorphic, mammalian, avian, etc. For each god or goddess, the author discusses its mythology, iconography and forms of worship. Amun, or Amun-Re, for instance, one of the major male anthropomorphic gods, is discussed as creator god, solar god and fertility god, among other roles; he was originally portrayed with the color red; and he was honored with temples at Karnak and Luxor. This is an excellent reference work for budding Egyptologists and anyone fascinated by the culture of ancient Egypt.

Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Wilkinson's gorgeously illustrated book adds new dimension to popular literature on ancient Egypt, for it is a handy dictionary of divinities and a comprehensive analysis of the land's theology and religious history. Readers will be drawn in by the copious fine reproductions of classic Egyptian art--some familiar, such as the dual portrait of Nefertiti and Akhnaten, but most not, including the intriguing gold-painted wooden images of the sky-cow Isis-Mehet. Most of the photographs are black-and-white, but of such high quality and detail that they are more than merely serviceable. And once readers open the book to look at the pictures, they well may stay to read the well-organized, comprehensive, clearly written text. In addition to history and theology, Wilkinson offers excellent sociological sections on everyday religion, including discussion of divination and offerings to the gods by ordinary people, and on the relationship of the ruling classes, especially the pharaohs, to the gods. A handsome, valuable general reference. Patricia Monaghan

Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

理查德·H. 威尔金森

［英］理查德·H.威尔金森（1951年一），埃及学领域考古学家，亚利桑那大学名誉教授、博士，也是该校埃及探险队的首任董事。他在埃及——主要是帝王谷——进行了25年的研究和发掘工作，曾担任《北美埃及学家名录》和《古埃及通讯杂志》的创始编辑等。

☆ 译者简介

颜海英

北京大学历史学系教授，博士生导师，北京大学古代东方文明研究所所长，《世界文明史》第一卷主编，比利时鲁汶大学博士后，埃及开罗大学访问学者，学术专长为埃及学。近期主要著作有《中国收藏的古埃及文物》等，并在《历史研究》《世界历史》等学术期刊发表过多篇论文。主持有国家社科基金项目“古埃及神庙典籍与仪式研究”、横向项目“东方哲学典籍整理与诠释”，以及北京市精品课《古代东方文明》等。

刘璠

本科毕业于中国人民大学英文系，硕士就读于英国格拉斯哥大学。自幼热爱古埃及文化，于是在外企工...

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