Book excerpt: A fascinating mix of archaeology, history, and medical imaging shedding new light on ancient Egyptian animal mummies, this fully illustrated volume explores the important role granted to animals in Egyptian life--they were seen as equals to humans within creation, endowed with souls. By providing vital background information, backed up with scientific examination of the techniques of mummification, this new book is the first proper, accessible survey of this fascinating side of ancient Egyptian life. It is full of amazing images of mummies, sculptures, and small decorative objects. Accompanies a major travelling exhibition - Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA, March 22-June 15, 2014; Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN, October 18, 2014-January 18, 2015; Brooklyn Museum , NY, Summer/Fall 2015.