Hieroglyphs
A Very Short Introduction
Published on 12. August 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-0-19-280502-7 (ISBN)
Description
Hieroglyphs were far more than a language. They were an omnipresent and all-powerful force in communicating the messages of ancient Egyptian culture for over three thousand years; used as monumental art, as a means of identifying Egyptianness, and for rarefied communication with the gods.
In this exciting new study, Penelope Wilson explores the cultural significance of the script with an emphasis on previously neglected areas such as cryptography, the continuing decipherment into modern times, and examines the powerful fascination hieroglyphs still hold for us today.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
In this exciting new study, Penelope Wilson explores the cultural significance of the script with an emphasis on previously neglected areas such as cryptography, the continuing decipherment into modern times, and examines the powerful fascination hieroglyphs still hold for us today.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
For the general reader with an interest in the fascinating civilization of Ancient Egypt, and those studying and teaching Archaeology and Ancient History
Illustrations
numerous halftones & line drawings
Dimensions
Height: 176 mm
Width: 111 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
131 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-280502-7 (9780192805027)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Penelope Wilson obtained her undergraduate degree and PhD at the University of Liverpool, and worked as Assistant Keeper in the Department of Antiquities in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, for seven years. She is presently Lecturer in Egyptology at the University of Durham, and Field Director for the Egyptian Exploration Society Mission to Sais in Egypt.
Content
1. The origins of writing in Egypt ; 2. Hieroglyphic script and the Egyptian language ; 3. Hieroglyphs and art ; 4. 'I Know You, I Know Your Names' ; 5. Scribes and everyday writing ; 6. The decipherment of Egyptian ; 7. Hieroglyphs in the modern world ; Notes ; Chronology ; Further Reading ; Index