Daughters of Isis: Women of Ancient Egypt :: BOOKRING
16 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by ShelaghG from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 4, 2004
An interesting book about the lives of women in ancient Egypt. There isn't a lot of hard evidence of how women lived their lives mainly due to the fact that women were uneducated and illiterate. Quite a lot of the information is guesswork but the author is rigorous in pointing this out and explaining why she has arrived at her conclusions. It does read a little dry in places, especially towards the end but at less than 300 pages isn't a massive read.
Journal Entry 2 by ShelaghG from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 4, 2004
N.B. The ring is now closed. No more people will be added to the list
Bookring Rules:
Post Order:
UK
LisaJane International
quizgirl International
daemonwolf International
tehuti International
Europe
Willemijn International
Canada
compscigirl International
kalie International
USA
jenvince US only
EMA375 International
Ealisaid International
jamieh2003 International
caligula03 International
The-Abbott US only
mlbish US only
princessaurora US only
PokPok Preferably US
Kaija International
snowmyst International
Lorelei03 International
Australia
MaraJade International
Back to me
Bookring Rules:
- Please journal when you receive the book, if only to note it's safe arrival.
- Please journal your thoughts and opinions on the book once you have completed it.
- When you have almost finished the book please PM the next person on the list to get their address details. If you get no response within a week and after 2 PMs please let me know and skip to the next person on the list.
- I would prefer it if people could complete the book within 1 month of receiveing it. If your TBR pile is huge and you're not going to get this book started within 1 month of receiving it I would ask that you skip this bookring or let me know so I can move you down the list.
- Enjoy the book
Post Order:
UK
Europe
Willemijn International
Canada
compscigirl International
kalie International
USA
jenvince US only
EMA375 International
Ealisaid International
jamieh2003 International
caligula03 International
The-Abbott US only
mlbish US only
princessaurora US only
PokPok Preferably US
Kaija International
snowmyst International
Lorelei03 International
Australia
MaraJade International
Back to me
Released on Saturday, March 06, 2004 at Ecclesfield Post Office in Sheffield, England United Kingdom.
Posted to LisaJane
Posted to LisaJane
Received today - thank you Shelagh. Looks fascinating - will get to reading as soon as possible.
I found this book really interesting, especially the chapters on daily life and on religion. It seems that women had an interesting position in ancient Egypt, with relatively broad legal rights but a mostly passive and domestic daily life.
Sending on to quizgirl asap.
Sending on to quizgirl asap.
Arrived today. I will enjoy this very much.
Journal Entry 7 by quizgirl from Chesterfield, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, April 14, 2004
This is an excellent book detailing the life and times of women in Ancient Egypt. They certainly led better lives than one might have imagined.
I will now pass it on to the next person in the ring - daemonwolf
I will now pass it on to the next person in the ring - daemonwolf
Forwarded to daemonwolf today.
Arrived in the post this morning, yay!
Update: 17/05/04 Ready to be posted on to Tehuti today. I do know she's in Egypt for two weeks though so it might take a while for her to receive this book.
This has been reviewed over on my book blog, all comments welcomed!
Update: 17/05/04 Ready to be posted on to Tehuti today. I do know she's in Egypt for two weeks though so it might take a while for her to receive this book.
This has been reviewed over on my book blog, all comments welcomed!
Journal Entry 10 by rem_DYI-991976 at via Royal Mail in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, May 17, 2004
Released on Monday, May 17, 2004 at via Royal Mail in send to a fellow bookcrosser, Bookring Controlled Releases.
Hoping Tehuti isn't 'Egypted' out when she returns from her trip!
Hoping Tehuti isn't 'Egypted' out when she returns from her trip!
Heh heh, no way can I be Egypted out, ever!!! I think I had better get started on this one immediately in order to keep within the month requested by the originator.
Apologies, I'm afraid work prevented me from reading this within the requested period.
I'm in two minds about this book. It certainly provides a lot of information on daily life in Egypt, although I think the classic work by Erman on this topic, written at the end of the 19th century, takes a lot of beating despite being based on a much smaller corpus of knowledge.
One thing I found off-putting about Joyce Tyldesley's treatment is her constant attempts to draw conclusions from modern Egyptian society, which is a totally separate culture from that of Ancient Egypt. Incidentally, when last in Egypt I obtained a book containing the stories of modern Egyptian women, which I hope to read and ring some time soon.
A second point of irritation is the intrusion of the author's beliefs, prejudices and assumptions. Just one example: the author states, "Isis, perhaps the best known and most forceful of the goddesses displayed decisive action only when attempting to protect and defend her husband, an admirable activity for a loyal Egyptian wife." Joyce Tyldesley chooses to ignore the story of how Isis tricked Ra, the king of the gods, into revealing his secret name to her, and thus became "great in Heka (magic)", her courage as a single mother in protecting her young son, as well as her attempts to ensure fair treatment for Set, for which she got her head chopped off by Horus!
A major howler in the section on the Great Royal Wife, stating that she was equated with Maat (should be Mut) is probably an editorial blunder.
In conclusion, this is an interesting but flawed look at daily life in Egypt, with an emphasis on women and matters concerning them.
I'm in two minds about this book. It certainly provides a lot of information on daily life in Egypt, although I think the classic work by Erman on this topic, written at the end of the 19th century, takes a lot of beating despite being based on a much smaller corpus of knowledge.
One thing I found off-putting about Joyce Tyldesley's treatment is her constant attempts to draw conclusions from modern Egyptian society, which is a totally separate culture from that of Ancient Egypt. Incidentally, when last in Egypt I obtained a book containing the stories of modern Egyptian women, which I hope to read and ring some time soon.
A second point of irritation is the intrusion of the author's beliefs, prejudices and assumptions. Just one example: the author states, "Isis, perhaps the best known and most forceful of the goddesses displayed decisive action only when attempting to protect and defend her husband, an admirable activity for a loyal Egyptian wife." Joyce Tyldesley chooses to ignore the story of how Isis tricked Ra, the king of the gods, into revealing his secret name to her, and thus became "great in Heka (magic)", her courage as a single mother in protecting her young son, as well as her attempts to ensure fair treatment for Set, for which she got her head chopped off by Horus!
A major howler in the section on the Great Royal Wife, stating that she was equated with Maat (should be Mut) is probably an editorial blunder.
In conclusion, this is an interesting but flawed look at daily life in Egypt, with an emphasis on women and matters concerning them.
I omitted to say that I sent this to willemijn about a week ago.
Due to the holidays I did not notice the parcel untill today. It has arrived safely wíth a very nice bookmark!
Looking forward reading the book.
Looking forward reading the book.
I've read it diagonally. Didn't grip me, but it was interesting enough. I will sent it to Canada today!
Journal Entry 16 by nwpassage from Prince George, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, November 4, 2004
Book arrived today! I have one other bookring that I am currently reading, but will start this as soon as I can.
Journal Entry 17 by nwpassage from Prince George, British Columbia Canada on Sunday, November 14, 2004
Done! Thanks for sharing, ShelaghG! I found this book informative but rather dry. Like tehuti I found it odd that the author kept trying to draw parallels between ancient and modern egypt, but what truly baffled me is that (other then 2 passing references within the first 20 pages) this book completely ignored Cleopatra, the ancient egyptian woman most familiar to lay people.
I am still waiting for the shipping details from the next in line. Hopefully, I will hear back soon and be able to have this book on its way again.
I am still waiting for the shipping details from the next in line. Hopefully, I will hear back soon and be able to have this book on its way again.
Journal Entry 18 by nwpassage from Prince George, British Columbia Canada on Friday, November 19, 2004
The next bookcrosser (kalie) declined the book, since she is currently in Japan and didn't want to hold up the ring with the longer shipping times involved. Book was mailed to jenvince today.
This arrived safely yesterday. I received three other rings this week, so need to finish those first. Then will jump into this book - I am looking forward to reading it!
This is in the mail to EMA375 today.
12/23/04: Received today. Thx. I have one bookring ahead of this.
1/6/05: Pretty interesting book on the daily lives of Egyptian women. They led such a different life than I would have imagined back in that time period. The book is off to "Ealisaid". Thx!
1/6/05: Pretty interesting book on the daily lives of Egyptian women. They led such a different life than I would have imagined back in that time period. The book is off to "Ealisaid". Thx!
Received in the mail today. Thanks!
Update 1/20/05: I finished reading "Daughters of Isis" and like a few of the previous readers, I did find it to be a bit dry in parts, but overall the book was quite interesting. In particular, I enjoyed the bits of "scribal advice" and similar text sprinkled throughout the book. Many of them reminded me so much of those old black and white films from the 1950s that were supposed to teach children how to be good citizens, helpful to their parents, and so on, and which are now fodder for shows like "Mystery Science Theatre 3000".
One bit I found especially amusing was this one:
"Do not control your wife in her house when you know she is efficient. Do not say to her 'Where is it? Get it.' when she has put something in its correct place. ..." --New Kingdom scribal advice
Apparently times haven't changed all that much. The modern version of this would be something like...
Husband: Where's the mustand?
Wife: On the shelf on the right side of the fridge.
Husband: I don't see it. Are we out of mustand?
Wife: No, I just bought some last week.
Husband: I can't find it.
Wife: (gets up, walks to the refrigerator, takes out the mustard): See? It's right here on the same shelf where we've been keeping the mustard for the last ten years!
Husband: But it was behind the ketchup!
Thanks very much for the opportunity to read this. I'll be sending this on to jamieh2003 next.
01/21/05 -- Sent to jamieh2003 via media mail today. Happy reading, Jamie!
Update 1/20/05: I finished reading "Daughters of Isis" and like a few of the previous readers, I did find it to be a bit dry in parts, but overall the book was quite interesting. In particular, I enjoyed the bits of "scribal advice" and similar text sprinkled throughout the book. Many of them reminded me so much of those old black and white films from the 1950s that were supposed to teach children how to be good citizens, helpful to their parents, and so on, and which are now fodder for shows like "Mystery Science Theatre 3000".
One bit I found especially amusing was this one:
"Do not control your wife in her house when you know she is efficient. Do not say to her 'Where is it? Get it.' when she has put something in its correct place. ..." --New Kingdom scribal advice
Apparently times haven't changed all that much. The modern version of this would be something like...
Husband: Where's the mustand?
Wife: On the shelf on the right side of the fridge.
Husband: I don't see it. Are we out of mustand?
Wife: No, I just bought some last week.
Husband: I can't find it.
Wife: (gets up, walks to the refrigerator, takes out the mustard): See? It's right here on the same shelf where we've been keeping the mustard for the last ten years!
Husband: But it was behind the ketchup!
Thanks very much for the opportunity to read this. I'll be sending this on to jamieh2003 next.
01/21/05 -- Sent to jamieh2003 via media mail today. Happy reading, Jamie!
This lovely book was in my mailbox today. I will be starting it tomorrow as I have to finish up another book first. I'll be sure and pass this on asap.
I notice that others had noted some of the more amusing moments throughout (unintentional or not they were funny)and I still gained some insight on women's lives in Ancient Egypt if not so much today's modern Egyptian woman.
I thought the "newer" feritlity ritual which involved lying on the train tracks to wait for a train to pass over a bit extreme...I got the impression the attitude was give me fertility or give me death. Jeesh, there are better ways.;-)
Thanks for sharing ShelaghG! The bookmark is lovely and had a great time reading this.
This will be going out in tomorrow morning's mail to Caligula03.
Update: 3/4/05:
Sorry for the delay in getting this mailed. Between snowstorms and real life stuff I got behind in mailings.
I thought the "newer" feritlity ritual which involved lying on the train tracks to wait for a train to pass over a bit extreme...I got the impression the attitude was give me fertility or give me death. Jeesh, there are better ways.;-)
Thanks for sharing ShelaghG! The bookmark is lovely and had a great time reading this.
This will be going out in tomorrow morning's mail to Caligula03.
Update: 3/4/05:
Sorry for the delay in getting this mailed. Between snowstorms and real life stuff I got behind in mailings.
Journal Entry 25 by jamieh2003 at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 3, 2005
Released 19 yrs ago (3/4/2005 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
to caligula03 via media mail
to caligula03 via media mail
The book has arrived. The spine is a little bent out of shape from its travels. I'm looking forward to reading the book.
A very informative book. There were times when I felt that the author was either drawing conclusions from thin air or repeating information to pad the book but these offenses are out numbered by the many fascinating illustrations and quotes from ancient texts.
Released 18 yrs ago (5/13/2005 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailing to The-Abbott.
Mailing to The-Abbott.
I received this book today and it is showing some wear and tear (of course I would too if I'd traveled so much!) I'm looking forward to reading it.
Interesting read. Thank you very much ShelaghG for sharing.
The book is in the mail to mlbish.
Interesting read. Thank you very much ShelaghG for sharing.
The book is in the mail to mlbish.
Caught. Thank you! This looks great. And it came with an excellent (!) bookmark.
I will read it and pass it along ASAP.
I will read it and pass it along ASAP.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am just about finished with the book and will be passing it along as soon as I have an address.
01/05/06
I did read this one, but I forgot to write a review! Bad me! I love journal alerts, and I always complain when people don't write reviews of bookring books. And here I am being a big slacker! Now I'm not even sure what I would have said. The book was very interesting. The women of Ancient Egypt seemed to enjoy pretty respectable rights and privileges, much better probably than most women through history. It's interesting to me that the ancient Egyptian society seems so socially advanced when compared to others that have come after it.
Thanks much for sharing this one, ShelaghG!
01/05/06
I did read this one, but I forgot to write a review! Bad me! I love journal alerts, and I always complain when people don't write reviews of bookring books. And here I am being a big slacker! Now I'm not even sure what I would have said. The book was very interesting. The women of Ancient Egypt seemed to enjoy pretty respectable rights and privileges, much better probably than most women through history. It's interesting to me that the ancient Egyptian society seems so socially advanced when compared to others that have come after it.
Thanks much for sharing this one, ShelaghG!
I rec'd this in the mail yesterday. It may take me a bit longer than a month to read this; I have one other bookring in front of it (Hatchepsut, interestingly enough!), and am taking part in the Bleak House readalong. I will apprise status in a month's time. I'm so glad this ring has kept chugging away, and has made it here!
Update November 27: I will be starting this book in the next few days. PM me if you have any questions.
Pokpok
Update November 27: I will be starting this book in the next few days. PM me if you have any questions.
Pokpok
I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. It was great to hear how many rights women had (darn those Romans for turning back the clock), as well as small tidbits, like what they wore, what they ate, how they bathed, etc. It really gives you pause to think about our lives today. We don't shave to make it easier to remove body lice, for one!! I also found a few parts where the author made me smile, when she used the phrase "higgledy piggledy" was one!! I don't think I've ever seen it in print before, though I use it all the time. The abundant pictures were also fabulous, as were the quotes.
Thank you for letting me keep this an extended time. I'm glad I read it, and didn't skip over it. I did skip my last bookring, which was on Hatchepsut, and so seeing the bits on her in this book, also made me feel as if I had some knowledge of her life.
I PMed Kaija 2 days ago, and haven't heard from her. I will mail this to her, or the next participant, within the next few days.
Thank you for letting me keep this an extended time. I'm glad I read it, and didn't skip over it. I did skip my last bookring, which was on Hatchepsut, and so seeing the bits on her in this book, also made me feel as if I had some knowledge of her life.
I PMed Kaija 2 days ago, and haven't heard from her. I will mail this to her, or the next participant, within the next few days.
Journal Entry 34 by PokPok at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Monday, January 2, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (1/5/2006 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I did not hear from kaija, and snowmyst has been absent for awhile, so I am sending this to lorelei03.
I did not hear from kaija, and snowmyst has been absent for awhile, so I am sending this to lorelei03.
received in the post this week and looking forward to reading! I have two library books about to come due, so this will be third on TBR pile.
4/13/06 I have been having real trouble reaching MaraJade, so if I don't hear back from her this week, I will be sending back home to ShelaghG!
4/13/06 I have been having real trouble reaching MaraJade, so if I don't hear back from her this week, I will be sending back home to ShelaghG!
