On the Verge of Lunacy

There have been several publications of studies of Egypt but none as organized as The Egyptians by Cyril Aldred. The third edition also has several helpful additions and revisions such as a list of kings of Egypt. The book includes a survey of Egypt's geography and natural resources, the archaeological and anthropological sites, and an introduction of its art, architecture, science, literature and religion. The chapters on prehistory and history are in chronological order and there are plenty of illustrations and photos as well. Students and enthusiasts of Egyptian history will find the book informative and detailed but still reader-friendly. Those who are looking for an in-depth study of Egyptian religion or mythology however might find this book lacking. Most of the details are on architecture and art, and some explanation on how the excavations and studies have pieced together Egypt's history. I recommend the book to those already familiar with some studie...

In a time when the bonds between gods and humans are weakening, one of the most powerful beings devises a plan to teach young gods the meaning of love and restore that connection. Kusanagi Yui was born and raised near a Shinto shrine. By all standards she's a normal girl with a normal life. One day on her way home from school, she discovers a sword which transports her to a sanctuary created by Zeus. She is given the task to act as the human representative in Zeus' school to teach young gods from different countries the meaning of love. If they succeed, it will prevent the destruction of the school and release the gods trapped in the realm. But every time there is a complication, the force holding the place together will weaken. Kusanagi Yui (center) with the gods Yui is hardworking and persuasive and manages to befriend the young gods with the help of her new friend Melissa, a doll sent to look after her. She meets the Greek gods Apollon, Hades and Diony...

This collection of the majority of European mythology will make the lover of myths cry out for joy. Bulfinch's Mythology includes Greek and Roman myths; Norse; Celtic; Arthurian and British legends (Beowulf, Hereward and Robin Hood); tales of Charlemagne's Paladins; and a few Egyptian and Eastern (Zoroastrian/Persian, Hindu, Buddhist) myths and legends. The stories are limited however and only the more popular tales are included. It is a general overview of most myths but the focus, as expected, is still on Classical Mythology. The pages dedicated to the Greek and Roman gods take up most of the book, followed by Charlemagne's Peers. Despite my disappointed to find that I'd be reading stories I'm already familiar with, the book does have its surprises. There is a chapter dedicated to monsters and how myths are formed. Some of the epics are summarized, much to my dismay, but it might be a good introduction for readers who find the longer versions too te...

The book is an exhaustive treatise of the creation and evolution of the concept of the dragon. It is divided into three chapters which discuss  incense and libations, dragons and rain gods, and the birth of Aphrodite. The titles of the chapters might be confusing and irrelevant at first glance but the author did more than just explain the various appearances and characteristics of the dragon. He went so far as to discuss every possible theory of its creation, purpose, and models. He even included topics which are remotely related to minor subjects discussed throughout the book.  The author has a tendency to extend the discussion of even the minor topics because he considered every theory that was extant during the creation of this book. The title might be misleading and the reader disappointed in the writer's style but his exhaustive method at arriving at his conclusions is praiseworthy. His uses comparison and verification to form his own opinions and does not wholly...

This comprehensive book on the chariot is comprehensive, engaging, reader-friendly, and well-organized. Casual readers need not worry about the names and events mentioned in the book because the author provides the necessary information. While students will find the notes and references section helpful for further studies. The book covers three continents and historical events and mythological scenes of the three epics, Iliad, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. It has eight chapters and several illustrations. The author discussed the possible origins of the chariot; its uses; modifications and variations of the chariot in each region; impact of the chariot on warfare; the use of weapons, armor, and;domestication of animals used for pulling, the formation of the armies in consideration of the chariots; the symbolism of the chariot; and finally the gradual decline of its use.  The following are the chapters included in this volume: I. Chariot Battle II. The Rise of the Cha...

The book is divided into 15 chapters discussing the literature of ancient Egypt, or at least those still extant. The bulk of the material here are writings related to the afterlife and the legends of the gods. The first part introduces the forms of writing (hieroglyphic, hieratic, and demotic). Most of the texts are taken from inscriptions in and the scrolls from the tombs. The Pyramid texts, which has spells to ensure the deceased lives in the Tuat, are discussed. The other chapters include the following: stories of magicians, the book of the dead (the objective of which is to help the deceased reach Sekhet Aaru and Sekhet Hetep), books of the dead in Graeco-Roman period (substitutes for book of the dead), historical literature, autobiographical literature, tales of travel and adventure, fairy tales, hymns to the gods, moral and philosophical literature, poetical compositions, and miscellaneous (mostly about the other world, spells and magic, etc.). Two important chapters a...

This book discusses briefly the contents of the "doors" or chapters of the Book of the Dead. The descriptions of the 190 chapters are just overviews however . Readers who want to read them will find this book helpful only as an introduction. Before the summaries of the contents are given, Budge introduces the reader to the Egyptian belief in the afterlife and judgment. There is a chapter describing what goes on when the deceased is given judgment by Osiris (the weighing of the ab or heart and interview with the gods) as well as a chapter about Thoth and his many functions. Budge's writing is very easy to understand and the chapter on the Judgement of Osiris is the most interesting. I recommend this book  to those who are interested in mythology in general  and as an introduction to the Book of the Dead.

The book is divided into nine parts. The introduction by Lewis Spence provides some information on how the cults and religions of ancient Egypt might have started. He briefly discussed animism, fetishism and totemism. He also discussed the different versions of the creation myth and introduced the importance of the pyramids and mummification. It is important to note that Spence has already stressed at this part of the book that the burial is important for the Egyptians. The last part of the introduction differentiated the ka and ba, meaning the spirit and the soul, respectively. The second and third parts introduces life in ancient Egypt in general and the different concepts the Egyptologists used in classifying information. The third part gives us a glimpse on how the sacred places look like and what encompassed the duties of the priests. Chapters four and five are the most important parts of the book. Part four is about the cult of Osiris. It retells the journey of Osiris and i...