How different would Western life be today had the civilization of ancient Egypt never existed? This excellent study by one of the greatest leading Egyptologists of the late nineteenth century provides astonishing answers to that question through an insightful exploration of Egyptian life and culture. Murray examines in detail such topics as food preparation, recreational pastimes, burial customs, religious beliefs, furniture and decor, social rituals, and the importance assigned to art and literature. A complete picture emerges of achievements in architecture, agriculture, horticulture, clothing, physics, astronomy, medicine, engineering, and other sciences; as well as in the establishment of law, government, and religion. This fascinating work will appeal to historians as well as general readers interested in this ancient land. Unabridged republication of the revised edition published by Hawthorn Books, Inc., New York, 1963.