Join Egyptologist Garry J. Shaw on a tour up the Nile, through a beautiful and fascinating landscape populated with a rich mythology: the stories of Horus, Isis, Osiris, and their enemies and allies, tales of vengeance, tragedy and fantastic metamorphoses. The myths of ancient Egypt have survived in fragments of ancient hymns and paintings on the walls of tombs and temples, spells inked across coffins and stories scrawled upon scrolls. Shaw not only retells these stories with his characteristic wit, but also reconnects them to the temples and monuments that still stand today, offering a fresh look at the most visited sites in Egypt.
Shaw’s evocative descriptions of the ancient ruins will transport you to another landscape – including the magnificent sites of Dendera, Tell el-Amarna, Edfu and Thebes. At each site, discover which gods or goddesses were worshipped there, as well as the myths and stories that formed the backdrop to the rituals and customs of everyday life. Each chapter ends with a potted history of the site, as well as tips for visiting the ruins today. Illustrations throughout bring to life the creation of the world and the nebulous netherworld, the complicated relationships between fickle gods, powerful magicians and pharaohs, and eternal battles on a cosmic scale. This is the perfect companion to the myths of Egypt and the gods and goddesses that shaped its ancient landscape.
- With 58 illustrations
'Shaw has made this the perfect companion to exploring the sites of Egypt by putting them in context with the myths of Egypt and the gods and goddesses that shaped its ancient landscape. His witty style also makes it easy to read and enjoy. A highly recommended read', - Timeless Travels
'An informative and practical guide to in-person travel … the beautiful presentation and well-researched but succinct approach also makes this a perfect companion for the armchair tourist', - British Museum Magazine
'This ambitious work clearly demonstrates the amazing complexity of Egyptian myth, legend, literature and belief', - Ancient Egypt Magazine
'Will appeal to even the seasoned Egyptophile, and it will be a welcome addition to the library of many armchair travellers', - Minerva
'In this handsome volume – elegantly written and beautifully illustrated throughout – Shaw succeeds in turning the reader into the traveller and engages a wide audience in a wonderous and often strange world', - Antiquity
