Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringThe people of Ancient Egypt left behind many monuments and objects, covered in the writing now known as Egyptian hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs were far more than a language. They were an omnipresent and all-powerful force in communicating the messages of ancient Egyptian culture for over three thousand years; used as monumental art, as a means of identifying Egyptianness, and for rarefied communication with the gods.This Very Short Introduction explores the cultural significance of this script with an emphasis on previously neglected areas such as cryptography and the continuing decipherment into modern times. It examines the powerful fascination hieroglyphs still hold for us today.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.