A Guide to Egyptian Myths
by Sophie Washburne
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Pub Date Aug 01 2024 | Archive Date Aug 26 2024
Rosen Publishing Group | Cavendish Square
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Description
The world of pharaohs, gods, and the afterlife has enthralled people around the world for centuries. From the creation myths of Ra to the trials of Osiris in the afterlife, each story gives readers a glimpse into the worldview that shaped the culture of the ancient Egyptians. With an engaging narrative that seamlessly blends history and myth, this book provides a gateway into the heart of a civilization that revered the cosmic order and the cycle of life and death. The accessible main text, enhanced by in-depth sidebars, encourages a deep appreciation for this enduring cultural legacy.
Available Editions
EDITION | Hardcover |
ISBN | 9781502672223 |
PRICE | $33.07 (USD) |
PAGES | 48 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
First, I loved the cover. I wish that I had this book when I visited museums. Great explanation of the Gods, including one that I didn't know. I also liked the connection of myths to common things like the asp and lotus. The author discussed the importance of stories to society as well. Well done. I would definitely recommend this book for children.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Rosen Publishing Group for the ARC.
Love it! Wish I'd had this when I was still teaching. As a sometimes social studies teachers, I tried to include a unit on Egypt whenever possible, including a brief look at its myths and lore. This book would have been the perfect guide for that. Beautifully illustrated, with sharp, applicable photos, it tells the stories in an interesting, easy to follow manner, drawing you in.
Basically divided into four sections/chapters, it provides an intro to the gods and goddesses of Egypt, the divine relationships and rivalries, their social order, and places in the natural world. I liked that there is no simple, boring listing of the deities but we get their stories, some of which are bizarre to our modern minds but fit the then cultural atmosphere. While showcasing each existing, known deity would be impossible in this relatively short book, we get the broad backstory. For instance, while noting the Egyptian importance of burying an intact body, which explains the facsimile parts often found in tombs, it shares the search of the goddess Isis for the mutilated parts of Osiris's body. In other words, we get the stories as well as an understanding of how they may have both stemmed from cultural beliefs.
Given that Egypt's culture is older than the Chinese, albeit frequently interrupted by warfare and invasion, not every deity is covered. Besides the basic pantheon many of us studied an school, there were multiple deities for scattered, local communities, not to mention different aspects of stories relating to the main players. Despite this, you'll away with not just a better understanding of who was who and how they were connected, but things like why even human name choices were impacted by beliefs.
Bottom line, I could go on and on about what I liked. From the cover, which conveys a bit of the mystic of Egyptian mythology, to the multiple sharply focused photos used -- and we even get a shot of Tutankhumun's burial site as well as a brief mention of him -- to the select questions to guide study at the end of each section, everything is put together well. There's also a map. Egypt buffs, teachers, especially those whose curriculum touches on the area, and anyone with an interest in history, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book no matter your age. My thanks to #NetGalley and #RosenPublishingGroup - #CavendishSquare for this early indulgence of one of my favorite topics. Teachers, seriously, add this one to your libraries.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
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This is a well layed out and informative introduction to Egyptian Myths for juvenile readers ages 8-12. Highlights are the illustrations, photographs and vocabulary list.
Very intriguing. Who doesn't love to learn about this culture with its lore and vibrant life style of the time. This gives insight to understanding how the culture thought and lived. The content was full of information and it was great that there were questions at the end of each chapter to help with critical thinking and to ensure understanding.
The photos were one of the most interesting parts. Their culture and art was beautiful and I am sure that these photos do no justice to what it was like during their lifetime.
Thank you NetGalley, Sophie Washburne, and Rosen Publishing Group for allowing me to review.
A Guide to Egyptian Myth is a great starter volume for anyone wishing to know more about Egyptian Mythological beliefs, as I read through, the history teacher part of my brain lit up and I kept thinking how it would be particularly helpful for adolescents studying history. The book has a number of bright, high quality and relevant images scattered throughout to appropriately illustrate the myth or concept it is communicating, additionally, the ‘Think it Through’ questions are a great checkpoint to gauge learning and understanding, as well as keeping you (or potentially your students) accountable whilst reading. The writing is at an appropriate level for younger people, or those with no prior knowledge of Egyptian mythology at all. Ideally, the glossary section would have additional entries, in order to more comprehensively immerse the audience into the study of Egyptian mythology.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Guide to Egyptian Myths and think it would be an effective and engaging educational took. Thank you to Netgalley and Rosen Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
This book is a great starting point for anyone interested in Egyptian Mythology. It is very easy to read and understand. The book starts out with an introduction of 6 of the most well known gods, with each subsequent chapter detailing some of their stories. My favorite part of this book is after each story there is an explanation of how the myth might have related to Egyptian life, what moral it is highlighting, or what these stories tell us about ancient Egyptian culture. After each chapter there are also 3 Think It Through questions, which would also work as great discussion starters.
This book would be a great addition to anyone learning about ancient Egypt or anyone who has a beginner's interest in mythology.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rosen Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
In ancient Egypt, pharaohs ruled, gods held sway, and the afterlife held profound significance. This book delves into the creation myths of Ra, the trials of Osiris, and other fascinating stories that reveal the worldview of a civilization obsessed with cosmic order and the cycle of life and death.
This is an entertaining and easy-to-read book for children and adults. It’s short and nowhere near comprehensive, but it’s informative and offers a strong foundation.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The introduction, which I usually skim through, was really helpful and engaging. Beautiful pictures adorn each chapter. I enjoyed the writing, simple yet informative, and specially adored Bes' story. The bit explaining The Book of the Dead was eye-opening as well. At the end you get a little glossary to look up some of the words used and a list of books to expand your knowledge on Egypt.
Sweet and short!
This is perfect if you would like to take a little dive into the Egyptian mythology. I made the mistake of reading this on my kindle and I don’t recommend that because the pictures need to seen in colors. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This was a lovely short read! This was a great book to start if you have a budding interest in Egyptian mythology. It gives a basic understanding of several myths, and many of the gods. It was not very in depth, which was what I was hoping for. But still enjoyable!
This is a great introduction to the gods, myths and culture of Ancient Egypt for kids and adolescents. There are beautiful pictures and it is easy to read. The gods are linked to stories that make it easier to remember who they are and what powers they have. It also gives an appropriate level look into the culture and world view of one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations. There is also plenty in there for adults to learn too.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This cover is absolutely amazing. It was what first attracted me to this book. I think it's very informative and easy to read. I'm actually using this for some research for something this fall and this is a great starting point. I' really, really enjoyed this and I plan on diving further into Egyptian mythology.
Book Review: A Guide to Egyptian Myths by Sophie Washburne
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently dove into A Guide to Egyptian Myths by Sophie Washburne, and it was quite an enjoyable experience! Right off the bat, the cover caught my eye—it's vibrant and beautifully designed, setting the stage for the captivating content within.
Egyptian mythology has always fascinated me, and this book serves as a fantastic entry point for anyone curious about the world of pharaohs, gods, and the afterlife. The author does an excellent job of blending history with myth, providing readers with a clear glimpse into the beliefs and culture of ancient Egypt. The stories range from the creation myths centered around Ra to the dramatic trials faced by Osiris in the afterlife. Each narrative not only entertains but also gives a sense of how deeply the Egyptians revered cosmic order and the cyclical nature of life and death.
What I particularly appreciated about this book is its accessibility. The writing is straightforward and easy to digest, which makes it perfect for newcomers to Egyptian mythology. I was also impressed by the illustrations and photographs sprinkled throughout the pages—they really bring the text to life and add an extra layer of engagement.
One of my favorite features was the way each chapter begins with a focus on one of the six major gods, followed by a detailed exploration of their stories in subsequent chapters. It’s a well-structured approach that keeps you grounded as you navigate through the complexities of the myths. Plus, at the end of each chapter, there are three “Think It Through” questions that not only encourage reflection but would also serve as excellent discussion starters for book clubs. homeschoolers, or study groups.
Overall, I think A Guide to Egyptian Myths is a stellar resource for anyone learning about ancient Egypt gods & myths. While it may not cover every single detail of Egyptian lore, it certainly encapsulates the essence of this rich cultural legacy. I’d give it a solid four stars—it’s engaging, informative, and perfect for both beginners and those looking to revisit these timeless tales.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
This is a great example of Egyptian mythology. It is age appropriate, detailed and fun to read. I enjoyed the explanation of how myths work and the impact of myths on the lives of ancient Egyptians. Great for middle grade and new to Egypt readers.
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have always loved Egyptian mythology and when I saw that beautiful cover I couldn’t not request this one
This is an informative book with some gorgeous illustrations and a list for those who are looking to learn about Egyptian gods and kutjooogu
I love mythology so to see a children's book about Egyptian myths that I can enjoy with my son was really special. I liked how they used real photos instead of just illustrations.
A Guide to Egyptian Myth is a great starter volume for anyone wishing to know more about Egyptian Mythological beliefs, This book would be particularly helpful for adolescents studying history, I think our 5th graders study Egypt and the mythology and this would be a great edition to students who want to learn more. The book has a number of bright, high quality and relevant images scattered throughout to appropriately illustrate the myth or concept it is communicating, additionally, the ‘Think it Through’ questions are a great checkpoint to gauge learning and understanding, as well as keeping you (or potentially your students) accountable whilst reading. The writing is at an appropriate level for younger people, or those with no prior knowledge of Egyptian mythology at all. Ideally, the glossary section would have additional entries, in order to more comprehensively immerse the audience into the study of Egyptian mythology. I think it will make a great addition to our grade school library and plan to recommend it to the teachers.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Guide to Egyptian Myths and think it would be an effective and engaging educational took.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ebook to preview.
A great introduction for those interested in learning about Egyptian Mythology. The book is short and easy to digest. There are also pictures of various artifacts and monuments.
I love a detailed view into Egypt Mythology and society. I am excited to share this with my son when he begins his ancient civilization unit this year. I can see this being popular with his middle grade friends. I enjoyed reading about myths I had never heard of before. The illustrations were helpful to imagine what life was like back then.
A fun, interesting guide to Egyptian Myths, with some basic history of Egypt and explanation as to where the myths may have stemmed from. Great pictures too.
Exploring this book was a delightful experience! The vibrant cover instantly drew me in, setting the tone for the engaging content inside. This book serves as an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian gods and beliefs. Washburne skillfully blends history and myth, covering iconic tales like Ra’s journey and Osiris’s trials, all while emphasizing the Egyptians’ reverence for cosmic order.
The writing is clear and accessible, making it perfect for newcomers. The illustrations enhance the narratives beautifully, bringing the stories to life. I appreciated the structured approach, where each chapter focuses on a major god, along with reflective questions that encourage deeper thought.
This book is perfect for beginners.
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
A Guide to Egyptian Myths is a beautiful and insightful guide for anyone wanting to learn about ancient Egypt, gods, pharos, myths, and the afterlife. This was a very age appropriate book perfect for children to use at school, and the beautiful pages will definitely draw their eye. I've always had a fascination for ancient Egypt since I myself was a child in school, and this book is definitely something I would have devoured and cherished. The book is very easy to follow and understand and well structured throughout. Each chapter starts with one particular god followed by stories relating to each making it easy to find a story or information you want to read about easily and at the end of each chapter there are some "think it through" questions perfect for class/group discussions and to help the reader reflect and recall information they have just read about.
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