The Oldest Book in the World: Philosophy in the Age of the Pyramids

The Teaching of Ptahhatp, a philosophical classic of the ancient world, was written in Egypt 4,000 years ago. It is the oldest surviving statement of philosophy and the earliest witness to the power of the written word. Egyptologist Bill Manley's new translation renders it into approachable modern English for the first time, illuminating the nuances of his language and philosophy. It also reveals how Ptahhatp's account of the human condition is founded in distinctive ancient Egyptian beliefs about the nature of truth and reality. Manley's new translations and expert commentary provide a new perspective on the Pyramid Age and overturn traditional prejudices about the origins of writing and philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The Teaching of Ptahhatp, a philosophical classic of the ancient world, has been newly translated and offers a profound insight into the power of the written word. Written in Egypt 4,000 years ago, this ancient text is the oldest surviving statement of philosophy in the world and provides a unique perspective on the human condition. Egyptologist Bill Manley's new translation, published for the first time in modern English, brings Ptahhatp's profound yet practical account of "the meaning of life" to a wider audience.

Ptahhatp, who served as Vizier to the Old Kingdom pharaoh Izezi (c. 2410–2375 BC), lived in a world of dynamic ideas and new technologies, including writing. Manley's translation illuminates the nuances of Ptahhatp's language and philosophy, shedding light on the world in which he worked. In addition, Manley's new translation of Why Things Happen, the oldest surviving account of creation from anywhere in the world, reveals how Ptahhatp's account of the human condition is founded in distinctive ancient Egyptian beliefs about the nature of truth and reality.

Together, Manley's new translations and expert commentary provide a fresh perspective on the Pyramid Age and challenge traditional prejudices about the origins of writing and philosophy. The Teaching of Ptahhatp is a testament to the common thread that connects humanity across time, and its teachings remain remarkably relevant in the modern day. Ptahhatp grapples with a range of human experiences, including greed, ambition, celebrity, success, confrontation, friendship, sex, and even the office environment. His insights and teachings offer valuable lessons for contemporary society, reminding us of the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and ethical behavior.

In conclusion, The Teaching of Ptahhatp is a remarkable work that offers a unique insight into the ancient world and the human condition. Bill Manley's new translation and expert commentary provide a fresh perspective on this philosophical classic, challenging traditional prejudices and offering valuable lessons for contemporary society. This ancient text is a testament to the power of the written word and the enduring relevance of Ptahhatp's teachings.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 241 x 161 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500252321