Moses the Egyptian: The Memory of Egypt in Western Monotheism

This book is a scholarly discourse as to how the memory of Egyptian monotheism survived in Western Culture. I use the word scholarly advisedly, not only because the book is well researched and annotated but it is also written for scholars. It does not lend itself to cursory reading but needs to be studied. This may be the reason why previous reviewers, although favorable,did not inform the reader of the points made in the book.For me the most important aspect was that Assmann clearly distinguishes between Moses as a historic figure and Moses as portrayed in the literature. He calls this phenomenon mnemohistory. Namely history not as it transpired according to current knowledge but history as it is remembered. This is important because we know nothing about the historic Moses. Assmann then goes on to describe previous views held about Moses having been culturally,if not ethnically, an Egyptian and how he had created a counter-religion to Egyptian practices. He reviews the works of authors ranging from the 17th to the 20th century; with a number of them having passed into oblivion over the centuries. Assmann also subscribes to Freud's view that Akhenaten's monotheism was the model upon which Moses had built his own edifice. Others may argue that the biblical Moses was not yet a true monotheist because the god of Moses is still in competition with other existing gods. Had he indeed been the universal cosmic god of Akhenaten he would not need to have been "jealous" or to "magnify" himself on the Egyptians, as the Bible repeatedly tells us. Assmann accepts,furthermore, Freud's idea of repressed trauma which remains latent in the subconcious where it acts as a disturbing element and eventually breaks back into consciousness in distorted form. This is not a biologic fact but merely psychoanalytic theory. Although popular at this time, it has not been proven to occur in individuals let alone ethnic groups or nations.The book also abounds with Latin and French quotations which are not always translated. The Greek and German ones are. Thus a proper evaluation of this book requires information which the average - even reasonably well educated - American reader does not readily possess. This also highlights the problem one has with a single 1-5 star rating system. For scholarship it deserves the four stars given but for ease of readability I would have to reduce them to about 2. The book will,therefore, be best appreciated by professionals in the field rather than laypersons.

Jan Assmann is a giant among scholars, and that most incredible find: a man with genius insight who knows how to write! This book is about the story of Moses and how it is told and retold in Western culture. Except for a few untranslated quotes in German, French, etc., this work is beguilingly instructive enough for a beginner, and its points are made with such beauty that they will spur one to further biblical or Egyptian research. I value the book for it's in depth analysis of Akhnaten and the extent of his monotheistic "revolution" as much as anything else. This scholar is also gentle in his approach to all the materials he treats. For that reason he inspires considerable trust. I can not recommend this book and this man too much! The whole subject of the connection between Ancient Israel and Egypt is a rich load of treasure beyond imagining, and here is a great mind to open pathways and draw our attention to things we think we see but perhaps do not. Dazzling work!

Great book, but the Kindle edition is worthless. It's a scanned copy of the original with "dead links" instead of actual clickable endnotes. As this is a scholarly text with abundant footnotes, the Kindle version simply doesn't work as there is no convenient way to access the notes. Very disappointing. I'm requesting a refund on the Kindle version and will purchase a paperback instead

This is the most fascinating book I've found in years! Assmann brings profound insight into both the historical aspect of this story, but a shrew understanding of how our collective memory of this period has shifted and changed over time - and geography. How historians back to Manetho have given different meanings to the story is fascinating. But never disheartening, thanks to Assmann.I'm going to buy several copies - it's going to be my Christmas gift of the year. Thank you, Professor.

While I love the subject this book I felt like it added little new scholarship to the discourse. It highlighted other authors in a detailed manner, and while some original ways of looking at data did make an appearance, most of this book, while good, was an exercise in summary (historiography) of past authors. Which there is nothing wrong with I was simply expecting more original interpretation than what I actually felt like I received.

I had hoped this to be a peak into the life and influence of the first third of Moses' life - when he was a youth and prince in Egypt before the Lord spoke to him. What I got was an academic postulaton that at times makes some rather wild assumptions and assertions at several points.

Some interesting information. Not all correct, though.

As advertised.