The Ancient Egyptian Coffin Texts. Vol. I, Spells 1-354 ( Volume 1 Only ).
Warminster England: Aris & Phillips Ltd., 1973. First Edition. Hardcovers. Small Quarto. xiv + 285pp. Original blue cloth with gilt titling to spines. The first edition of the first volume only Faulkner's important translation and study (Volumes II & III were subsequently published in 1977 & 1978). The Coffin Texts are a collection of religious utterances written inside the large rectangular wooden coffins used for interring the wealthy. They date from the Middle Kingdom, around the first quarter of the second millenium BC and thus help to fill the great gap between the Pyramid Texts of the Old Kingdom and the Book of the Dead of the New Kingdom. In general character they resemble the latter and in many cases contain the earliest versions of spells in the Book of the Dead, but they are far more extensive. A hint of shelf-wear to boards, with a little spot fading, and merest hint of bruising to the corners. Edges of text block a little dusty, and a little toning to the pages, still a tight, clean, VG+ copy in VG+ dust jacket (a little chafing and a few tiny creases to the edges, price-clipped. Now protected by a removeable mylar sleeve). Item #67946
ISBN: 9780856680052
Price: $185.00