Book cover of Living with the Dead

Book description

Living with the Dead presents a detailed analysis of ancestor worship in Egypt, using a diverse range of material, both archaeological and anthropological, to examine the relationship between the living and the dead. Iconography and terminology associated with the deceased reveal indistinct differences between the blessedness and malevolence and that…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Living with the Dead as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Dr. Harrington offers an accessible yet meticulous overview of the role of the dead in ancient Egyptian society, with a general, but not exclusive, focus on the New Kingdom. Her book was published while I was just starting my dissertation and it was inspiring to see a project that dealt with similar themes being published. I admit, I also love this book because it was the first time someone ever made reference to me and my research in a footnote. It made me feel like my work was worthwhile and for that, I am eternally grateful to Dr. Harrington.Ā Ā Ā Ā 

Popular conceptions of ancient Egyptian tombs tend to present them as places sealed for eternity and protected by curses, macabre treasuries of the desiccated dead attempting to cling to earthly possessions—but Harrington’s book tells the true story of tomb chapels and ancestor shrines as sites of interaction between the living and the dead.Ā The author also examines other contexts, including temples and houses, where people could communicate with their deceased ancestors.Ā We believe that one of the most important lessons ancient Egypt can teach us is their healthy and thoughtful approach to death.Ā This book presents that lesson with all…

From Colleen's list on ancient Egyptian religion.

If you love Living with the Dead...

Ad

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like Living with the Dead?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Living with the Dead.

Browse books like Living with the Dead

Book cover of World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
Book cover of Pet Sematary
Book cover of Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,278

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

šŸ“š If you like Living with the Dead, you might also like...

Book cover of The Bridge: Connecting The Powers of Linear and Circular Thinking

The Bridge by Kim Hudson,

The Bridge provides a compassionate and well researched window into the worlds of linear and circular thinking. A core pattern to the inner workings of these two thinking styles is revealed, and most importantly, insight into how to cross the distance between them. Some fascinating features emerged such as, circular…

Book cover of And Then They Were Gone: Teenagers of Peoples Temple from High School to Jonestown

And Then They Were Gone by Ron Cabral,

Of the 918 Americans who died in the shocking murder-suicides of November 18, 1978, in the tiny South American country of Guyana, a third were under eighteen. More than half were in their twenties or younger.

The authors taught in a small high school in San Francisco where Reverend Jim…

5 book lists we think you will like!