Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology

by Anthony S. Mercatante, Robert Steven Bianchi

Overview

Who is 'siris? Which god was invoked by common folk to bring good luck? Who is the patron of childbirth? Such questions are answered in this updated and comprehensive dictionary of Egyptian mythology. This fascinating volume has alphabetically arranged entries on all the major gods, goddesses, myths, and themes of Egyptian mythology. In addition, there are entries on such topics as amulets, mummies, and pyramids; a chronology of Egyptian dynasties; a detailed introduction; and a complete annotated bibliography. Fifty pen-and-ink drawings by the author capture the spirit of ancient Egyptian art.

In reworking this edition, Bianchi has attempted to retain Anthony Mercatante's sensitive approach to the religion of ancient Egypt, but has modified his treatment to bring it into conformity with more recent academic opinion. In addition, the annotated bibliography has been completely revised to eliminate outdated works and incorporate recent scholarship. The result should be useful to student and amateur alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810829671
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/23/1995
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Anthony S. Mercatante authored many books and articles on religion, mythology, and folklore. He was founder and Director of the Mythos Center in New York City, which is devoted to the study of religion as expressed in world mythology.

Robert Steven Bianchi, an independent academic who serves as one of two national re-elected American representatives to the International Association of Egyptologists, is President of the Egyptological Seminar of New York, and a contributing editor to Archaeology Magazine.

Editorial Reviews

The book is useful not only in its exhaustive coverage of all the deities of the ancient Egyptians, but also in the fascinating entries featured for a host of subjects relating to the religious, cultural, artistic and everyday objects of the period.

Reference Reviews

...I always reach for my 'Mercatante,' for a clear, accurate and succinct description; thus saving me valuable research time.

Wendy Kuhne

This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings is extremely informative as well as entertaining.

Booklist

...I always reach for my 'Mercatante, ' for a clear, accurate and succinct description; thus saving me valuable research time.--Wendy Kuhne, President, Ancient World Arts, Ltd.

This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings is extremely informative as well as entertaining.--Booklist

The book is useful not only in its exhaustive coverage of all the deities of the ancient Egyptians, but also in the fascinating entries featured for a host of subjects relating to the religious, cultural, artistic and everyday objects of the period.--Reference Reviews

From the Publisher

This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings is extremely informative as well as entertaining.

Booklist

The book is useful not only in its exhaustive coverage of all the deities of the ancient Egyptians, but also in the fascinating entries featured for a host of subjects relating to the religious, cultural, artistic and everyday objects of the period.

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The book is useful not only in its exhaustive coverage of all the deities of the ancient Egyptians, but also in the fascinating entries featured for a host of subjects relating to the religious, cultural, artistic and everyday objects of the period.

"American Reference Books Annual"

Contains entries on all the major deities, myths, and themes of ancient Egyptian mythology, and on such topics as amulets, mummies, and pyramids. Also includes a chronology of dynasties, an extensively annotated bibliography, and over 50 pen-and-ink drawings. Well cross-referenced. Lightly revised, with a bibliography updated from the 1978 edition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

This is an edited and slightly revised edition of a 1978 book with the same title. The late Mercatante authored many books and articles on religion, mythology, and folklore. Bianchi, the editor of this edition, serves as an American representative to the International Association of Egyptologists and is a contributing editor to "Archaeology Magazine This readable dictionary, with 50 pen-and-ink drawings by Mercatante, is extremely informative as well as entertaining. The entries, arranged in alphabetical order, are an exhaustive collection of everything pertaining to Egyptian mythology from "Aah" (an early moon god) to "Wisdom Literature". Each entry has a concise explanation of the mythological character or concept. In some cases, whole legends are given, as in "The Tale of Two Brothers" and "Setna and the Magic Book". A chronology of ancient Egyptian dynasties is included at the front of the book. The annotated bibliography has been updated by Bianchi to include new books as well as old standards This is a wholly satisfactory reference tool for anyone interested in the topic. A pronunciation key to the difficult names would be desirable. However, since Bianchi admits in the preface that he made very few changes to the dictionary proper, libraries owning the 1978 edition won't need to replace it with this one.

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