The Hieroglyphic Transcript and Translation into English of The Ancient Egyptian Papyrus of Ani. The Book of the Dead is a collection of texts that the ancient Egyptian scribes composed for the benefit of the dead - spells, hymns, magical formulae and names. These were carved or painted on walls of pyramids and tombs, and painted on coffins, sarcophagi, and rolls of papyrus. Hardcover 704 pgs.