Hieroglyphs: A Very Short Introduction by Penelope Wilson 🏺 Book Review

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Ever wondered how the ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphs to record history, religion, and everyday life? 🏺📜 In this video, I review Hieroglyphs: A Very Short Introduction by Penelope Wilson, part of Oxford University Press’s famous Very Short Introduction series.

This book takes readers deep into the fascinating world of Egyptian hieroglyphs, exploring how they were written, read, and used over thousands of years. From sacred inscriptions on temple walls to everyday documents, hieroglyphs were more than just symbols — they were a bridge between the spiritual and practical lives of the ancient Egyptians. ✨

In my review, I’ll cover:
✅ Why Penelope Wilson’s expertise makes this book accessible and engaging
✅ The history and development of hieroglyphs across dynasties
✅ How hieroglyphs reveal Egyptian culture, politics, and religion
✅ My personal reaction and whether this book is right for you

If you’re interested in ancient Egypt, archaeology, linguistics, or just love exploring how humans communicate through symbols, this book is a great starting point. Whether you’re a casual reader or a student of history, you’ll find something here to spark your curiosity.

📺 Link to my Very Short Introduction playlist:    • A Very Short Introduction Series  

📺 Link to my Great Courses playlist:    • The Great Courses  

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#hieroglyphs #ancientegypt #bookreview #veryshortintroduction #spencerreadseverything #historybooks #Egyptology #symbols #archaeology

0:00 Hook
0:29 Introduction
1:31 Penelope Wilson
2:39 Book Overview
3:55 Chapter 1 The Origins of Writing in Egypt
4:29 Chapter 2 Hieroglyphic Script and Egyptian Language
4:59 Chapter 3 Hieroglyphs and Art
5:33 Chapter 4 ‘I know you, I know your names’
6:03 Chapter 5 Scribes and Everyday Writing
6:38 Chapter 6 The Decipherment of Egyptian
8:10 Chapter 7 Hieroglyphs in the Modern World
8:56 Argumentative Distinctions
14:19 Fun Facts
20:01 Personal Reaction
21:32 Who is this for?
22:27 Who is this NOT for?
23:40 Final Thoughts