This is a fascinating introductory book on the subject of Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic writing. It makes easy what seems
extremely difficult otherwise. The book begins with a map and timeline of Ancient Egypt. This is followed by an introduction which explains, in very simple language, what this book is for, what it covers, and even some of its limitations (there are over 750 known signs and this book only elucidates some of the more common ones, particularly the sound-signs, and the determinatives, or type-signs).
Hieroglyphics, or the picture writing of the ancient scribes in Egypt, were primarily sound symbols, of one, two, or three sounds, which were conjoined to write a story, religious text, dedication, or even the invoice for a food bill, etc. These signs are explained in detail, along with their pronunciations, shortly after an introductory history of this type of writing, and of its eventual interpretation. There are many examples throughout the latter parts of the book to practice on, both photographs of the original inscriptions and transcriptions.
Later on, there is a discussion of the hieratic, or handwritten (generally) alphabet and writings, along with stories interlaced liberally with text and pictures to bring the Ancient Egyptians to life for the reader. This section gives demonstrations of transliteration, and interpretation, while reminding us that we don't know exactly what the language sounded like (as they included few vowels in their writings, presumably to save space.)
Finally, the author suggests we can try putting modern names and other words and sentences into hieroglyphics or hieratic script, and mentions the tools we might wish to use to make our own experience more authentic (papyrus paper
, calligraphic felt-tip pens, and the like).
There is also a list of museums, in Britain and elsewhere, which have extensive Egyptian collections, and a brief bibliography to introduce one to Egyptian culture, language, and writing at a deeper and more thorough level than this introductory, beginner's text has taken the reader to by this point.
This is an excellent introductory text, written simply enough for young readers, yet intellectually challenging enough for anyone.