Religion and Magic in Ancient Egypt

Religion and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Rosalie David

This is a very intense book and doesn't short you on any information.  However, it isn't written to entertain or please-it is straight facts.  So while it may not be a story line format you can't complain about the wealth of detail.  This is a great book that takes the divided periods of ancient Egyptian history and has a lengthy chapter on each that covers history, religion, developments, culture changes, and anything that could possible have helped or did shape the religion of the Egyptians.  There are also two large sections containing photos of some of the main people, artifacts, and buildings discussed within the text.  This book is a great read for people either already knowing their Egyptian history or for those who need some information just on a certain time period.  I suggest using this book as you go through the periods of Egyptian history, not just a straight read.  The reason I suggest both of these ways of using the book is because if you can't keep up you'll be lost within half a page.  If you have no previous knowledge that has good grounding you will not be able to just do a straight read.  But if you use it as sections it makes a great almost text-book!

Recommended Reading for Youth/Adults

What Life Was Like On the Banks of the Nile by Time-Life Books

-A beautifully detailed book of ancient Egyptian culture including marriage, coming of age customs, and religious beliefs and rituals.  Time is also spent on pharaohs in general and their power, belief in the afterlife, and tomb significance.

Egypt: Splendors of an Ancient Civilization by Alberto Siliotti

-Similar to a mass picture book for the "older" crowd with mass amounts of information on Egyptian geography, history, temples, and tombs.  Very visual dynamic for those who are visual and need to see an equivalent to what they are reading.

Ancient Egypt by Lorna Oakes & Lucia Gahlin

-This is an incredible book that mimics an encyclopedia.  A wealth of information of almost anything you could imagine.  This is one of my favorite books, I can read it straig

ht through or use it as a reference.  My pages are getting worn and torn with this book because I always consult this one.

Conversations with Mummies by Rosalie David and Rick Archbold

-This book is fascinating.  It looks at the ancient Egyptians via the mummies they left behind.  Understand what techniques they used in mummification, significance involved with mummification, and the science behind it all.

Tutankhamin: The Exodus Conspiracy by Andrew Collins and Chris Ogilvie-Herald

-The book is a fun read and provides some more in depth knowledge about the boy king.  However, the content is a bit extremist and nor do I agree with it all.  It is just one point of view.  Since the release of the book new evidence has come to light about the "wounds" found on the young king.

The Search for Nefertiti by Dr. Joann Fletcher

-While this is another fascinating topic, this book is not an easy ready.  A pretty substantial knowledge of Egypt is already needed to keep up the deep diggings of the author.  While well written, it is just so over whelming to people just beginning to study ancient Egypt.

The Hebrew Pharaohs of Egypt by Ahmed Osman

-This book was a delight to read.  This man's take on Biblical history and intertwining with what we know of Egyptian history was great.  While I agree with almost everything thing presented I think he does have a few fallacies throughout his logic.  However, the main idea he is presenting is fabulous!

Ancient Egypt by David P. Silverman, General Editor

-A mini-type of encyclopedia the book offers handfuls of facts ranging from the dynasties, to warfare history, culture, women in Egypt, and the culture and rituals surrounding the Egyptian religion.

Religion and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Rosalie David

-This book is extremely through and intense.  I would not recommend this one just to read and learn about Egypt.  Instead, if you want to learn some more about the religion during a period in ancient Egypt read the appropriate chapter.  Otherwise, you might get to bogged down and lose interest.

Recommended Reading for Kids

Egyptology by Emily Sands
-Join Emily Sands' expedition to find the lost tomb of Osiris. A jeweled amulet glows on the cover, inside the book, there are fold-out maps, postcards, drawings and photographs, ticket stubs, mummy cloth, a scrap of papyrus. "The pyramids reminded me of all I came to Egypt to discover – the dusty tombs, the ornate temples, the golden treasures." [excerpt]

Tutankamun: The Mystery of the Boy King by Zahi Hawass
-Journey back to the time of Tutankhamun with Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass – thrilling discovery of Tut's tomb by Howard Carter, the boy king's life reconstructed (how old he was, how tall, what clothes he wore, what games he played) and most recent studies of Tut's mummy. Gorgeous photographs.

If I Were a Kid in Ancient Egypt by Cricket Book
-Take a step back in time and find out how kids lived in ancient Egypt: eating with your fingers, shaved heads, family fishing trips, popular pets, board games, going to school to become a scribe, and more.

Cleopatra by Diane Stanley & Peter Vennema-Fascinating biography of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt – her fight for the throne, romance with Julius Caesar, building an empire, life in Alexandria with Mark Antony, battle of Actium against Rome, her downfall and death by poison. Richly illustrated.

Your Travel Guide to Ancient Egypt by Nancy Day
-A fun and cool "passport to history" type of book.  Covers people, places, ideas, symbols, food, clothes and everything thing else ancient Egyptian.  Good for a lot of  ages yet with meat.  Perfect picture illustrations give one a feeling that they are traveling through Egypt while reading the book.

I Am the Mummy Heb-Nefert by Eve Bunting
-A poem from a mummy's point of view on Egyptian life, religion, and ultimately the fate of everyone.  She muses about her life and now being under a glass for people to view.  A fun read.

The Egyptian News by Scott Steedman
-A fun modern formatted newspaper with ev

erything Egyptian.  What their news could have been like from sports, fashion, farming, religion, politics, building, and everyday life for the classes.  Includes history of pharaohs, war, science, and architecture.

Leaders of Ancient Egypt: Rameses II by Susanna Thomas
-A good read for middle aged kids with great historical context revolving around the era Rameses II lived in and reigned.  Covers the highs and lows of the entirety of Rameses II's life as prince and later pharaoh.

Leaders of Ancient Egypt: Hatshepsut by Susanna Thomas
-Another great read for the middle aged kids containing well written historical context of the time and people surrounding the female pharaoh Hatshepsut.  It 

discuss how and what type of a ruler this infamous female pharaoh was.

Ancient Egypt by Andrew Haslam
-This is almost an interactive reader for the younger crowd.  A fun way of getting the kids to take a unique view of Egyptian history from their own eyes.  As other kids help yours explore almost every facet of ancient Egypt this book is fun for almost anybody.

Cleopatra: The Queen of Kings by Fiona MacDonlad
-This book mostly covers the later part of Queen Cleopatra's life.  From her love with Julius Caesar to Mark Antony to the brilliant schemes of a woman trying to save Egypt with political liaisons.  This book is nicely details for even the middle aged crowd, but all will love it.

Tales of the Dead: Ancient Egypt by Stewart Ross
-This is a cool book that gets kids to interact through the graphic novel cross sections on every page that goes along with the new information they have been learning about Egypt.  However, in some of the pictures the author has been faithful to what the Egyptians wore (almost nothing) so a few of the pictures may show more skin and areas than some parents may be comfortable with.

Cultural Atlas for Young People: Ancient Egypt by Geraldine Harris
-This is a great reference book for the kids!  With detailed information on almost anything the kids could ask about, with this book they can go look for themselves as they are studying Egypt.