Living with the Dead

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.    

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. The author also examines other contexts, including temples and houses, where people could communicate with their deceased ancestors. We believe that one of the most important lessons ancient Egypt can teach us is their healthy and thoughtful approach to death. This book presents that lesson with all… show more.