Reading Egyptian Art: A Hieroglyphic Guide to Ancient Egyptian Painting and Sculpture

What a wonderful book!The author takes 100 of the hieroglyphs used in writing Egyptian, and used in Egyptian art. (Symbols are identified by the Gardiner code number.) He dedicates 2 pages to each symbol - the right-hand page gives an analysis of the meaning and uses of the symbol, and the left-hand page, through line drawings and photographs, illustrates how the symbol is used. Whether you study it page by page, or just dip in and browse, this book can be used, with profit, by anyone interested in the language or art of ancient Egypt.

If you want a succint and fascinating guide to understanding Egyptian art then this is for you. Arranged in a most unique style, Wilkinson's book captivates the reader and moves him into a richer understanding of Egypt's language and art. Richly illustrated, this masterpiece for the layman traces the impact that the Egyptian language had upon the ancient forms of art. It provides the reader with some basic information as well as specifics which will assist the layman in understanding and appreciating this great civilization. It moved me to purchase the companion volume which I cannot wait to read. Having been to Egypt twice, I can only say that this book is a MUST for anyone who is planning to travel there. I only wish that I had discovered this book before I went there! The only thing better would be if the author himself led you on a tour to this enchanting land!

Art language, the signs by which we interpret the meaning of art, is a specialized study. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to approach Egyptian art on a deeper level than a simple visual feast. Prof. Wilkinson has explained many of the common themes used by ancient Egyptian artists in simple terms, so that anyone who cares to read will be able to understand and appreciate the work in depth. I have found this book invaluable. The book is richly illustrated and the line drawings by Troy Sagillo are exquisite. Wilkinson has opened a path for me that I knew was there, but could not find.

Very well layed out,informative,excellent reference, yet easy to understand, assists with the learning of translation of some of the more common Hieroglyphics, especialy with tombs, ushabtis and other artefacts. "Gardiner's Sign List" was very well presented.

This book is a clearly presented, well-written introduction to the layered symbolism and inter-relatedness of Egyptian art and hieroglyphs. When travelling in Egypt I referred to it frequently. It is an excellent book for tourists to Egypt not already familiar with its art because it provides good examples of images frequently encountered at ancient sites. One wishes more hieroglyphs were included, but the information for those covered is superb and whets the appetite for more