A unique collection of funerary texts from a wide variety of sources; dating from the 15th to the 4th century BCConsisting of spells; prayers and incantations; each section contains the words of power to overcome obstacles in the afterlife. The papyruses were often left in sarcophagi for the dead to use as passports on their journey from burial; and were full of advice about the ferrymen; gods and kings they would meet on the way. Offering valuable insights into ancient Egypt; The Book of the Dead has also inspired fascination with the occult and the afterlife in recent years.For more than seventy years; Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1;700 titles; Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors; as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
#243369 in Books imusti 2004-04-27 2004-04-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.95 x 1.00 x 5.15l; .65 #File Name: 0140448993384 pagesPenguin Books
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Two livesBy PictomaniacIt takes some time to understand the significance of the events in the lives of these two people. I read this as part of a course in Medieval History as a primary source. The castration of Peter is considered a major turning point in Medieval history.This is such a classic. The contrast between the cultural norms of the day and their behavior informs us of just how different our society is from theirs.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Not All Theologians Are BoringBy R A HillThe Letters of Abelard and Heloise is an intense read. It is no doubt true that the staying power of these writings is owing to the soap-opera-like lives of its authors as well as the poetic and romantic language. This collection brings together Abelard's biography written to a friend; "The History of My Own Misfortunes" in which he divulges from beginning to end; all the drama surrounding his rise from philosophy student to a sort of Scholastic celebrity in Paris. The other part of this book is taken up by the personal letters between Abelard and Heloise; from which the reader discovers much about the relationship of a monk and nun who had a romance outdoing anything Shakespeare could have dreamed up for Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship became more formal for Abelard following his radical nighttime castration by Heloise's father. Heloise displays the passion with which she continues to love Abelard even though she joins a convent at his behest. Abelard's tone changes in his personal letters from what it was in his "History;" yet Heloise never changes hers. She remains in love with him and lets it show in each letter to him. He takes on the role of a spiritual leader and writes to her instructions and answers to her questions; but he does not keep up with the romantic language as Heloise does.The value in this type of book; when the texts themselves are available for free download on the internet; is the translation; introduction and notes provided on the historical situation which allow the reader to enjoy it more fully. The translation and introduction done by the late Betty Radice in 1974; who succeeds in humanizing these two long dead authors so that their writings move the reader to an emotional reaction. The updated introduction added by M.T. Clanchy provides a clear look at what scholarship has done with Abelard and Heloise since Radice's book was first published. Her translation aids the reader's enjoyment because it contemporizes the language. The internet versions available are translated archaically due to the fact that those texts are in the public domain and therefore prior to about 1926; which makes it a slower read. This is not a book of theology; though Abelard was arguably the greatest theologian of the Middle Ages; but of real romance despite the star-crossed lovers' ill fated lives.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The love lettersBy CustomerWhat can I say?? They shared a true love that is the stuff that legends are made of.. I feel privelliged to have read the letters and am so glad that they survived.. Abelard's rejection of Heloise for the sake of her soul is really touching as is her reaching out to him not willing to let the memories of their time together go.. I give it a five and it's all for them.. Heres hoping they found each other in Heaven and have the eternity together that was denied them in life..
