The Ancient Egyptian Pyramid Texts, Second Edition

The Ancient Egyptian Pyramid Texts, Second Edition by James P. Allen, published by SBL Press on March 1, 2015, offers a comprehensive translation of the oldest corpus of ancient Egyptian religious texts. This edition spans 394 pages and is presented in English, providing insights into the texts from the six royal pyramids of the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties, dating back to approximately 2350–2150 BCE. Allen’s work incorporates recent advancements in the understanding of Egyptian grammar, ensuring that the translations are both accurate and reflective of the original texts.

Readers will find sequential translations based on all available sources, including newly discovered texts from the last decade. The translations are numbered according to a widely used system, with updates from the latest 2013 concordance. Allen emphasizes the atemporal verbal system of Old Egyptian, which highlights the timeless quality perceived by the authors of these ancient texts. This edition serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the history, religion, and literary collections of ancient Egypt.