The Egyptian Book of Life: A True Translation of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Featuring Original Texts and Hieroglyphs

by Ramses Seleem

According to ancient Egyptians, humans require a specialized body of knowledge to prepare for and survive in the afterlife. The Egyptian Book of Life (often mistakenly translated as "The Book of the Dead") is the only living record of the twofold mystery of life and death. In this accurate and complete translation, Ramses Seleem emphasizes The Egyptian Book of Life's vitality and relevance. Accompanied by fascinating commentary that places the work in historical and religious context and featuring superb computer-generated renditions of hieroglyphics from a unique program of the author's own design, this guide offers prayers, breathing meditations, and other interactive techniques that draw the reader fully into the spiritual experience. The Book of Life promises to be the definitive translation of one of the most important documents ever written.

Genres: Egyptology, Nonfiction, Egypt

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2004

Reviews

[Bay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The translation is really great, and I found it really interesting to read, but I would say, that I had some problems.
1. Ramses Seleem describes the pictures on the papyrus - very well, but I need to see the pictures myself!
2. I need some more arguments why Ramses Seleem structures the book the way he does.
3. It might be, because I read Ramses Seleem actually believes in the egyptian mythology (so I might be imagining stuff), but I felt like he might be 'forcing' his beliefs on me as a reader. Again, I might be imagining things - but that bothered me.
4. Ramses Seleem sometimes commented on the present world - royals e.g. - that does not belong in this book!

These problems is why I only give it 3 stars, because it made me very critical of what I read (he has some very unorthodox claims also) and not in the good way.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite different from Budge's The Egyptian Book of the Death that I read in the 1960's is The Egyptian Book of Life: A True Translation of The Egyptian Book of the Dead, featuring original texts and hieroglyphs by Dr. Ramses Seleem. (1) There an additional texts to The Book of Life. (2) The Egyptians believed in one God that created all there is seen and unseen. (3) Religious doctrines included: faith, union of opposites, reincarnation, eternal life, purification and numbers. (4) The Papyrus of Gerusher (Book of Breathings) describes the electromagnetic currency body of an individual in seven aspects.

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could give negative stars. This book is a wild theory on the origins if ancient Egypt, it's belief system and writing system. It puts forth wild claims with zero references and complete disregard for well-established scientific and archeological facts. This book is a massive, arrogant bummer.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and enlightening translation that brings ancient Egyptian wisdom to life. Ramses Seleem masterfully blends history, spirituality, and interactive practices, making The Egyptian Book of Life both profound and accessible. A must read for anyone seeking deeper insight into the mysteries of life and death.

[Peter J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring silly sun worship except for a small part about 3/4 through where it changes from third to first person. I wonder if those were the original writings of Thoth. Overall it is clear that even the Egyptians themselves were confused as to the roles of Osiris, Ra, Amun, and a few other deities.

[Jessica]

Work in progress...

[Justin Silvia]

Beautiful language even from a hieroglyphic to english. Inspires me to learn hieroglyphics in a big way. I'd love to get that deeper meaning.

[Travis FFFFFFFFFF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating. Eye-opening.