How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs

by Collier, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780520239494
• ISBN10: 0520239490
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-06-01
• Publisher: Univ of California Pr

Summary

Hieroglyphs are pictures used as signs in writing. When standing before an ancient tablet in a museum or visiting an Egyptian monument, we marvel at this unique writing and puzzle over its meaning. Now, with the help of Egyptologists Mark Collier and Bill Manley, museum-goers, tourists, and armchair travelers alike can gain a basic knowledge of the language and culture of ancient Egypt. Collier and Manley's novel approach is informed by years of experience teaching Egyptian hieroglyphs to non-specialists. Using attractive drawings of actual inscriptions displayed in the British Museum, they concentrate on the kind of hieroglyphs readers might encounter in other collections, especially funerary writings and tomb scenes. Each chapter introduces a new aspect of hieroglyphic script or Middle Egyptian grammar and encourages acquisition of reading skills with practical exercises. The texts offer insights into the daily experiences of their ancient authors and touch on topics ranging from pharaonic administration to family life to the Egyptian way of death. With this book as a guide, one can enjoy a whole new experience in understanding Egyptian art and artifacts around the world.

Author Biography

Bill Manley is Tutor in Egyptology at the University of Glasgow, Research Associate of the National Museums of Scotland, and Honorary Research Fellow of the University of Liverpool.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Revised Edition

Hieroglyphs

More Uses of Hieroglyphs

Special Writings

Scenes and Captions

Description

Further Aspects of Description

Characterisation

The Future Hieroglyphic Sign-Lists for the Exercises

Reference

Tables Egyptian-English Vocabulary Key to the Exercises

Bibliography and Further Reading

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.