Gaston Maspero

First published in 2005. Gaston Maspero, the leading expert on Egyptian art, writes here with authority and style on a very significant aspect of ancient Egypt. By compiling and publishing this volume, he sought to familiarise the general public with some of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian art, and to enhance their appreciation of these treasures. Many of the pieces described herein were examined by the author in museums around the world. Others he caught as they emerged from the ground, moments after their discovery.

Translated for the modern reader, these popular stories have been revived to give fresh insight into one of the oldest civilisations. Unlike compiling folktales from more modern societies these rare gems have been translated from original hieroglyphic manuscripts, often damaged and fragmentary, to give a unique insight into the imagery and ideas which captivated the popular psyche in Ancient Egypt, and the cultural differences and assumptions of the storytellers about what their audiences would understand and enjoy.