Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: How to Read the Secret Language of the Pharaohs

Bridget McDermott

Chronicle Books, Aug 1, 2001 - History - 171 pages

For beginners and Egyptologists alike, reading hieroglyphs provides fascinating insights into the land and lore of the pyramids. Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs is the only fully illustrated, easy-to-use guide to the meaning and mystery behind this ancient language. A history of hieroglyphs and instructions for how to read them are complemented by vocabulary lists and photographs of real inscriptions. In each chapter, skill-building exercises weave together with details of Egyptian life. Who could have imagined that the sign for the word "millions" is a lizard because Egypt was once overrun with reptiles? Hieroglyphs literally paint portraits of the ancients, depicting everyone from the pharaoh in his court to the farmer along the flooded Nile. Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs reveals the beauty and hidden marvels of one of the world's most intriguing cultures.

What people are saying

Review: Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: How to Read the Secret Language of the Pharaohs

User Review  - Kimberly Taylor - Goodreads

A bit of language, a bit of history, and a bit of culture all rolled into one. Thanks to this book, I was able to read some of the inscriptions at a recent museum exhibition I viewed. It is one I come back to again and again, not just as a reference but to read straight through.

Review: Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: How to Read the Secret Language of the Pharaohs

User Review  - Kestrel - Goodreads

This book was a very good introduction to reading Egyptian Hieroglyphs. However, if you want to master them it won't take you very far. I'd reccomend studying textbooks by Sir Alan Henderson Gardiner ...

About the author

Bridget McDermott is at work on her doctoral thesis on the ancient Egyptian military and is a media consultant on Egyptian archaeology. She lives in England.

Joan Fletcher, Ph.D is director of the NILE educational organization, as well as a frequent university lecturer. She divides her time between Egypt and England.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: How to Read the Secret Language of the Pharaohs
• Author: Bridget McDermott
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2001
• ISBN: 0811832252, 9780811832250
• Length: 171 pages
• Subjects: Art / History / Ancient & Classical; History / Ancient / Egypt; Social Science / Archaeology