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Sir Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis Budge (1857-1934) was a renowned English Egyptologist, orientalist, and philologist who dedicated his life to the study of ancient Egyptian language, literature, and civilization. During his long tenure at the British Museum, Budge became a prolific author, whose scholarly works helped popularize Egyptology in the early 20th century. 'The Literature of Ancient Egypt' is but one among his impressive catalog of publications, which also includes the seminal 'The Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani' and 'Egyptian Language: Easy Lessons in Egyptian Hieroglyphics with Sign List.' Known for his translations of ancient Egyptian religious and funerary texts, Budge's literary style demonstrates not only his expansive knowledge but also a deep passion for making such texts accessible to a wider audience. Critics, however, have often contended with Budge's translation methodologies and some of his interpretations are now seen as outdated due to the advancement in Egyptological methodology since his time. Nonetheless, Budge's contribution to the dissemination of knowledge regarding Egyptian antiquity cannot be overlooked, and his numerous works remain reference points for enthusiasts and scholars alike, serving as an extensive resource on ancient Egyptian literature, religious beliefs, and practices.
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