BUDGE, E. A. Wallis "The Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani" [Medici Society, 1913]

BUDGE, E. A. Wallis. The Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani. A Reproduction in Facsimile Edited, with Hieroglyphic Transcript, Translation and Introduction.

London / New York: The Medici Society, Ltd. / G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1913. Complete in two volumes. First edition thus. 10.25” x 7”, complete in publisher’s red cloth gilt with striking Egyptian decorative stamping to upper boards and spines, including gilt vignette panels and standing Egyptian figures in relief. Vol. I: Introduction, translation, and hieroglyphic transcript; Vol. II: facsimile plates and accompanying text. Illustrated throughout with hieroglyphic text, translations, and full-page reproductions from the celebrated Papyrus of Ani. Both volumes bear contemporary ownership inscriptions to the front pastedowns and the circular ownership stamp of Herakles Masonic Lodge No. 418, a noteworthy institutional provenance that suits the work’s longstanding appeal to esoteric, symbolic, and initiatory traditions beyond formal Egyptology. Front hinge of Volume I starting but holding firmly; bindings remain sound overall with minor rubbing at extremities, a few small bumps to corners, and light foxing and toning throughout, heaviest to preliminaries. No dust jackets, as issued. A handsome and substantial set with strong shelf presence. Very Good.

A visually impressive early 20th-century edition of one of the foundational texts of Egyptian funerary religion, presenting the famed British Museum Papyrus of Ani in accessible scholarly form. Often regarded by collectors as one of the great ancient spiritual grimoires, the Book of the Dead shaped popular Western understanding of Egyptian religion for generations through Budge’s influential translation and commentary. Copies with appealing decorative bindings and interesting institutional provenance remain especially desirable.