The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

by E. A. Wallis (Ernest Alfred Wallis) Budge

"The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians" by Sir E. A. Wallis Budge is a scholarly work that serves as an introduction to the literary heritage of ancient Egypt, written in the early 20th century. The book aims to present a selection of Egyptian compositions encompassing significant periods of literary creativity, making it accessible to those interested in understanding the mental and cultural development of ancient civilizations. This work is not targeted towards specialists but rather to general readers with an interest in ancient literature. At the start of the text, Budge provides a preface detailing the purpose of the book, emphasizing the inclusion of complete specimens from various Egyptian texts, such as those derived from tombs and papyri. He explains that his translations aim to be as faithful as possible to the original while also addressing the unique challenges posed by the differences in language and idiom. Furthermore, he outlines the themes found in Egyptian literature, highlighting a deep focus on religious, mythological, and moral works, which reflect the ancient Egyptians' existential concerns about the afterlife and moral conduct. The opening establishes the premise that this literature serves as a window into the beliefs and cultural practices of ancient Egyptians, setting the stage for the detailed examination and translations of their texts that follow.