The Egyptian Book of Life: A True Translation of the Papyrus of Enhai and the Papyrus of Hunefer: "The Egyptian Book of the Dead" - A True Translation ... Papyrus of Enhai and the Papyrus of Hunefer [Illustrated] (Paperback)

Here, at last, is an intelligible translation of the most ancient and sacred texts in the world, which provides the reader with what is required. Unlike most versions, this book actually conveys the intricacy and magnificence of a people who were dedicated to the divinity of life. It describes the journey of the soul from the realm of earth to the netherworld, and finally to the spiritual world, heaven, either to be born again or to become one with the perfected souls who are not subject to reincarnation.

Ultimately, as this book declares, there are no limits to what we may achieve. As Dr Seleem writes: 'This tradition is not dead and irrelevant but vital and intensely alive to this day, serving to awaken knowledge of the natural harmony that has always existed between man and nature, while at the same time providing nourishment for the spiritual, mental and physical well-being of humanity.'

It's worth getting the book alone just for Dr Seleem's full account of the Egyptian mythology and religion, death and resurrection and the Dwat (purgatory). There's even a rare description of the ancient system of prayer-exercises which serve the physical, mental and spiritual bodies.

Dr Seleem explains that the so-called 'gods and goddesses' are really natural laws and principles, which seems so 'natural' in itself; he also gives us the original Egyptian names of the main principles rather than the Greek ones- Heru instead of Horus, Est for Isis and Oser for Osiris. That's a really refreshing change.

These chapters form a really splendid introduction for the explanations of the symbolism depicted in the lovely colour papyrus plates which follow. Dr Seleem has a tremendous grasp of the language - Medu Netru - and is able to explain in detail the illustrations and commentaries, as well as providing his unique graphics of the language which are quite magnificent and remind one of the actual monumental carvings.

There is no doubt left in the reader's mind that these ancient people not only understood the human condition but excelled in the advice they could offer to improve it on all levels and in every stage of our travels in eternity.

I recommend this extraordinary book for anyone with an interest in Egypt, whether professional or amateur. With Dr Seleem's copious vocabularies, there is enormous fun in reading and actually translating the text in the ancient language itself. This takes you back thousands of years to the days when the scribes themselves were writing out the texts!

This is a work which transcends previous attempts to give the modern reader an understanding of ancient Egypt, and which have been based both on a misunderstanding of the symbolism and misinterpretation of the way of life. By contrast, Dr Seleem has presented us with an explanation of a tradition which is alive and vital and which offers us, thousands of years later, an opportunity to take advantage of its gifts.