Egyptian tales - translated from the Papyri
From introduction:
It is strange that while literature occupies so much attention as at present, and while fiction is the largest division of our book-work, the oldest literature, and fiction of the world should yet have remained unrepresented to English readers. The tales of ancient Egypt have appeared collectively only in French, in the charming volume of Maspero's " Contes Populaires "; while some have been translated into English at scattered times in volumes of the " Records of the Past." But research moves forward; and translations that were excellent twenty years ago may now be largely improved, as we attain more insight into the language.
So much attention as at present, and while fiction is the largest division of our book-work, the oldest literature and fiction of the world should yet have remained unrepresented to English readers.
The tales of ancient Egypt have appeared collectively only in French, in the charming volume of Maspero's " Contes Populaires "; while some have been translated into English at scattered times in volumes of the " Records of the Past." But research moves forward; and translations that were excellent twenty years ago may now be largely improved, as we attain more insight into the language. another reason also there is a wide ground for the present volume. In no case have any illustrations been attempted, to give that basis for imagination which is all the more needed when reading of age and a land unfamiliar to our ideas.
When following a narrative, whether of real events or of fiction, many persons perhaps most- find themselves unconsciously framing in their minds the scenery and the beings of which they are reading. To give a correct picture of the character of each of the various ages to which these tales belong has been the aim of the present illustrations.
A definite period has been assigned to each tale, in accordance with the indications, or the history, involved in it; and, so far as our present knowledge goes, all the details of life in the scenes here illustrated are rendered in accord with the period of the story.
Contents
Introduction. I
Tales of the magicians
Khafra's tale . . .10
Baufra's tale . . .16
Hordedef's tale . . .22
Remarks . . . .46
The peasant and the workman. 61
Remarks . . . 75
The shipwrecked sailor. .81
Remarks . . . -93
The adventures of sanehat . . 97
Remarks . . . .127
the book details :
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