This study presents transliterations and English translations of surviving Middle Kingdom literary compositions, three of which survive almost in entirety: the `Exile of Sanehat', the `Shipwrecked Official' and the `Tales of Wonder at the Court of King Khufu'. Quirke introduces each type of text, such as laments and teachings, and the collection as a whole begins with a discussion of the significance of 1800 BC in the development of Egyptian writing and literacy and the nature of Middle Kingdom literature.