This is an authoritative and clear translation of the spells and prayers depicted on the Papyrus of Ani , illustrated with photographs of the original vignettes, now preserved in the British Museum Sales points. It is written by a leading authority on Egyptian funerary texts. This is the most reliable translation of the Papyrus of Ani , one of the greatest treasures of the British Museum. It is illustrated with more than 140 colour and black and white photographs. The Book of the Dead is the name now given to sheets of papyrus covered with religious and magical texts and accompanying illustrations, which the ancient Egyptians placed in the tombs of their dead in order to guide them safely through the dangers of the Underworld and to achieve a blissful afterlife. This authoritative book contains the translated text of the Papyrus of Ani , one of the greatest treasures of the British Museum. The spells are numbered and shown alongside photographs of the illustrative vignettes and complimented by a concise introduction and extensive glossary. Dr Faulkner's work is widely acknowledged as containing the most reliable translation of this fascinating collection of spells, prayers and incantations making this an essential purchase for anybody interested in Ancient Egypt. The late Dr. R.O. Faulkner, for many years the assistant of the great Egyptologist Sir Alan Gardiner, was an expert in ancient Egyptian military and nautical matters and taught Egyptian language at University College London.