Hieroglyph Handbook

Looking for a "learn a language book" with a difference? Then look no further--this book is certainly unusual in that the language in question is over 5000 years old--hieroglyphics.

Apparently, according to the author Philip Ardagh, it took the average Ancient Egyptian scribe about 12 years to learn all the hieroglyphs he would need to sustain a reasonable writing career, and therefore admits that this highly entertaining little book won't quite make the reader an internationally world expert on the subject. But what it will do is provide endless hours of fun for children who are either in the midst of their studies about Ancient Egypt, or young tikes who take pleasure in baffling their buddies with clever codes and secret messages.

A clever mix of technical detail and humorous interpretation makes The Hieroglyphs Handbook a sure fire winner for any child who likes a good dose of entertainment with his bread-and-butter learning. (Age 10 and over) --Susan Harrison

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View books by Philip Ardagh.

Good for Children? - Rated
This is a cheap and cheerful example of a growing collection of 'teach yourself hieroglyphs' books. The basics are covered, but no more than that - the ability to phonetically spell out your name using hieroglyphic signs seems a fairly unambitious aim for a whole book.

In my humble view the best English-language book which DOES teach you to read actual ancient Egyptian texts is Collier & Manley's book - the best introductory text since Gardiner's Grammar.

If you are at all serious about wanting to learn to read and write ancient Egyptitan, then buy their book - don't wait to upgrade to it later.

Get by in Ancient Egyptian - Rated
For the complete beginner this is one of the best books I have seen. Philip has done his homework and produced a user friendly, pocket-sized book that starts you with the a,b, and c of this fascinating writing form. There are plenty of illustrations throughout and the tone is lighthearted and certainly not acedemic. The author makes you feel at ease with his teaching style and soon has you hungry for more. This is one of those books you keep picking up as often as possible to do a bit more because it becomes so interesting. Without becoming bogged down in technicalities Philip introduces the basics and gradually works through limited grammar. Within a short period of time I would suggest the average reader could write their own name and string a few lines of characters together. If nothing else, you will be able to better understand commonly featured hieroglyphs associated with Pharaohs and amaze your friends by translating "Good God, Lord of the two Lands, King of lower and upper Egypt, Son of Ra, Given Life eternally..". For those who complete the book, or who are already experienced I can strongly recommend 'How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs' by Mark Collier and Bill Manley.

A beautifully presented and facinating guide - Rated
This book is fantastic! Not only is it interesting and informative, it is also FUN. I wanted a book that would teach me the basics of a five thousand year old 'language' and this is it. 'The Hieroglyphs Handbook' is funny, easy to read and has plenty of practical advice throughout, including straight forward instructions and facinating information. Each section is clearly laid out, with detailed directions to aid you in tasks ranging from writing your name in hieroglyphs to translating sentences. The cartoons scattered throughout add to the humour within the text, making this an enjoyable read for you (and your mummy!). I can't wait to try out what I've learnt and impress my friends. This book is a must for anyone with an interest in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs - children and adults alike.