Egyptian Mythology

May 1, 2001
Gr 6-8-The preface of this series entry offers a concise introduction to ancient Egyptian society, tracing its development from two cultures into two kingdoms and eventually one country. The chapters that follow cover eight individual myths beginning with "The Creation of the Gods and Humans" and ending with "The Shipwrecked Sailor." Some of the retellings read more like folktales than myths, but all are illustrative of ancient Egyptian culture. Each myth is prefaced by an introduction and followed by a question-and-answer section as well as one to two pages of "Expert Commentary" that quotes scholarly sources (referenced in endnotes) on the myths. The brief glossary is almost redundant as difficult words are defined in brackets throughout the text. Black-and-white sketches, occasionally cartoonlike, complement the clear, readable text.-John Palmer, Bryan & College Station Library System, Bryan, TX

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2001
Gr. 6-12. Dividing his text into brief, manageable segments, Nardo offers solid information on Egypt's early history, and then uses fascinating myths--about Isis, Horus, Ra, and others--to explain aspects of Egyptian culture and spirituality and show similarities to and differences from Western tradition. Each chapter begins with background about the myth and the cultural basis for the belief explored in the story. A straightforward summary of the myth follows, with a question-and-answer review and commentary by historians and religious scholars rounding out the chapter. Some myths encompass generations of gods; others are concerned with concepts such as compassion, courage, and reverence. As with other books in the Mythology series, this one uses attractive black-and-white sketches to depict the more dramatic events and includes chapter notes, a glossary, and Web sites.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2002
In each book in this series, seven to ten myths are accompanied by an extensive preface about the culture. Illustrated with undistinguished black-and-white drawings, each blandly retold story has an introduction and is followed by a set of intrusive questions and answers and "expert commentary," which quotes scholars writing at a higher level of complexity than the other text sections. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Mythology titles: "Egyptian Mythology, American Indian Mythology, Inuit Mythology". ]

(Copyright 2002 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)