The Book of the Dead, Saite through Ptolemaic Periods: A Study of Traditions Evident in Versions of Texts and Vignettes: Volume 2 (Volume 2 (BD Spells 16, 18-30))

This is the second volume of the series, covering spells for BD 16 and 18 to 30. BD 16 consists of a complex illustration that is sometimes identified as the illustration for BD 15, while others regard it as an independent spell in and of itself, without text. The author argues that it is a special, magical illustration and should be identified as BD 16. BD 18 to 20 are spells for justifying the deceased in the great judgement, BD 21 to 23 assist in revivifying the deceased, BD 24 to 25 equip the deceased with magic, and BD 26 to 30 ensure that the heart of the deceased, the seat of his conscience, supports the deceased in the great judgement before the god Osiris. As with Volume 1, translations (with transliterations) of each version of text for these spells are provided, the versions of vignettes are identified, discussions accompany the texts and illustrations, and numerous photographic facsimiles are included to allow one to examine the original texts and vignettes. Volume 1 is essential to understanding the methodology and conventions used throughout. This series is primarily aimed at the Egyptological community, but the translations and illustrations may be of interest to the general reader with curiosity about the spells, what they represent, and what was of value to the ancient Egyptians.