Coffin texts are spells written in ink on the inside walls of the wooden caskets reserved for the corpses of the rich in the Middle Kingdom. Faulkner (University College, U. of London) translates the 1185 spells into modern English, welcoming the dead, invoking the succor of the gods, and describing how the dead were once loved and favored on earth. The texts include simple entreaties, fascinating clues about daily lives, and remarkable short stories of journeys to the next world. He includes notes and commentaries for each spell. Originally published starting in 1973 in three volumes, this new edition is reprinted in a single volume with corrections; the pagination of the three volumes is maintained throughout. Distributed in the US by the David Brown Book Company. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)