The Oldest Book in the World

Philosophy in the Age of the Pyramids

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A brand-new translation of a philosophical classic of the ancient world, 'The Teaching of Ptahhatp', written in Egypt 4,000 years ago

The Teaching of Ptahhatp, composed two millennia before the birth of Plato, is the oldest surviving statement of philosophy in the ancient world and the earliest witness to the power of the written word. It ought to begin the list of the world’s philosophy classics, yet it has been largely forgotten since it was rediscovered in the nineteenth century. Bill Manley’s new translation corrects this oversight, rendering into approachable modern English Ptahhatp’s profound yet practical account of ‘the meaning of life’, providing a new perspective on the Pyramid Age and overturning traditional prejudices about the origins of writing and philosophy.

A testament to a common thread connecting humanity across time, Ptahhatp grapples with the pitfalls of greed, ambition, celebrity, success, confrontation, friendship, sex and even the office environment, and his teachings remain remarkably relevant in the modern day.
Extent: 240 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 74
Publication date: 2023-06-01
Size: 19.8 x 12.9 cm
ISBN: 9780500298077
Foreword

Introduction

1. ‘Le plus ancien livre du Monde’

2. The Overseer of the City and Vizir, Ptahhatp

3. The Oldest Book in the World
I. The Teaching of Ptahhatp
II. The Teaching of Kagemni
III. The Teaching of Hordedef

4. The Teacher, Ptahhatp

5. Why Things Happen

Press Reviews

A superb book, in its own way as exciting as any excavation of a tomb. More exciting, perhaps, because it breathes life rather than death
Stephen Fry

Bill Manley brings to vivid life the oldest Egyptian books of wisdom, committed to writing some four thousand years before our own time ... Both scholarly and witty, The Oldest Book in the World addresses major issues that philosophers are still tackling, and major concerns for us all today
John Tait, Emeritus Professor of Egyptology at University College London

Bill Manley brings his skills to bear on Ptahhatp’s remarkable work for a modern readership, revealing this sensitive and compassionate exploration of truth, values, and the meaning of existence to be as valid and relevant today as it was 4,500 years ago
Guy de la Bédoyère, author of 'Pharaohs of the Sun'

In these matters there is, it seems, even after four millennia, a lot to learn, and perhaps to unlearn … Warmly recommended to adventurous readers who delight in new insights
The Irish Catholic

About the Author

Bill Manley is an Egyptologist, university lecturer, museum curator and bestselling author. He teaches Egyptology and Coptic at the University of Glasgow, and is Honorary President of Egyptology Scotland. He was formerly Senior Curator for Ancient Egypt at National Museums Scotland, and continues to work with archaeological projects in Egypt. He has published books, catalogues and articles covering such diverse subjects as ancient texts, the history of Egyptology, the archaeology of Palestine and ancient Egyptian art.
Thames & Hudson has published several of his books, including Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Complete Beginners and Egyptian Art.

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