This beautifully illustrated book is the first to include translations of over 200 of the texts recovered from the workmen's village of Deir el-Medina, a uniquely rich source of information about daily life in Ancient Egypt. Each translation is introduced by a commentary that provides the context and explains the contribution the text makes to the understanding of Egyptian society in 1539-1075 BC.

Deir el-Medina, the village of the workmen who built the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, has bequeathed to us thousands of private records. A. G. McDowell presents translations of 200 of these, giving a unique and fascinating insight into the secret lives of Ancient Egyptian people.