Garry J. Shaw Book order

A lively new biography of Tutankhamun-published for the hundredth anniversary of his tomb's modern discovery

A unique approach to Egyptian mythology that takes the reader on a tour up the Nile, stopping at the most famous monuments and vividly retelling the myths connected to each site.

'Die meisten Bücher über Mythologisches stellen ihren Stoff als altertümliche Geschichten vor und damit Schluss. Dieser Autor aber liefert uns den Hintergrund zu den Mythen und erklärt anschließend, wie sie sich in jeden Aspekt der Existenz eines ganz normalen Ägypters einfügten, von der Wiege bis zur Bahre - und darüber hinaus. Abbildungen, Diagramme und Zeichnungen ergeben in Verbindung mit vielen überaus packenden Zitaten aus Papyrustexten ein Bild der dynamischen Kräfte, welche die Götter darstellten, und zeigen uns, wie ihre Lebensgeschichten sich in den verschiedenen Mythen abspielten.' Minerva Magazine online, Lindsay Fulcher

This survey of Egyptian mythology explores how the ancient Nile-dwellers explained the world around them. It delves into the creation and evolution of the world and the reigns of the gods on earth, before introducing us to the manifestations of Egypt's deities in the natural environment; the inventive ways in which the Egyptians dealt with the invisible forces all around them; and their beliefs about life after death. Through his engaging narrative, Garry Shaw guides us through the mythic adventures of such famous deities as Osiris, the god murdered by his jealous brother Seth; the magical and sometimes devious Isis, who plotted to gain the power of the sun god Re; and Horus, who defeated his uncle Seth to become king of Egypt. He also introduces us to lesser known myths, such as the rebellions against Re; Geb's quest for Re's magical wig; and the flaying of the unfortunate god Nemty. From stars and heavenly bodies sailing on boats, to the wind as manifestation of the god Shu, to gods, goddesses, ghosts, and demons--beings that could be aggressive, helpful, wise, or dangerous--Shaw goes on to explain how the Egyptians encountered the mythological in their everyday lives.