The Literature of Ancient Egypt

The latest edition of this highly praised anthology of ancient Egyptian literature offers fresh translations of all the texts as well as some twenty-five new entries, including writings from the late literature of the Demotic period at the end of classical Egyptian history. 

Praise for the earlier editions:

“An elegant, easily readable, and most serviceable volume.”—K. A. Kitchen, Journal of Near Eastern Studies

“A reliable rendering of the Egyptian text that can be useful to students of Egyptology and provide the layman with delightful reading material.”—Mordechai Gilula, Cultura

“"A reliable rendering of the Egyptian text that can be useful to students of Egyptology and provide the layman with delightful reading material."--Mordechai Gilula, Cultura "One may rarely recommend a volume which gives both an enlightening and a reliable insight into an ancient civilization. In this volume of translations, however, the reader can understand and empathize with much of the vitality of ancient Egypt, in mental and social life rather than the familiar icons of monumental architecture."-- South African Archaeological Bulletin "An elegant, easily readable, and most serviceable volume."--K. A. Kitchen, Journal of Near Eastern Studies Selected as an "Outstanding" title in the 2003 Association of American University Presses (AAUP) University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries”

"A reliable rendering of the Egyptian text that can be useful to students of Egyptology and provide the layman with delightful reading material."—Mordechai Gilula, Cultura

"One may rarely recommend a volume which gives both an enlightening and a reliable insight into an ancient civilization. In this volume of translations, however, the reader can understand and empathize with much of the vitality of ancient Egypt, in mental and social life rather than the familiar icons of monumental architecture."—South African Archaeological Bulletin

"The scope of the material presented is varied and representative, and the names of the triad of translators constitute a warrant of quality."—J. Gwyn Griffiths, Journal of Egyptian Archaeology

Selected as an "Outstanding" title in the 2003 Association of American University Presses (AAUP) University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries

William Kelly Simpson is professor of Egyptology and Near Eastern Languages, Civilizations, and Literatures at Yale University.

The latest edition of this highly praised anthology of ancient Egyptian literature offers fresh translations of all the texts as well as some twenty-five new entries, including writings from the late literature of the Demotic period at the end of classical Egyptian history. The book also includes an extensive bibliography.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.