The Tutankhamun Affair

This is an interesting book that gave me more insight to the ancient Egyption culture. It arrived in good time and in excellent condition.

This book is a departure from some of the other Christian Jacq books I have read (Rames, Sons of the Light series). However, I really enjoyed this book. I found it facinating to learn about early archeology in Egypt and the politics involved. It also made me look at displaying mummies in a different light. It was definetly a good addition to my library.

Tutankhamun referred to as the kinglet in the early 1900s was described by some archaeologists as an unimportant pharaoh while others passed him off as mere myth. The pharaoh who slept in darkness and obscurity for 3000 years was still hidden under the sand in the Valley of the Kings. Englishmen Howard Carter along with the financial support of George Herbert, Lord Carnarvon would make Tutankhamun a household name and famous around the world. It was Professor Percy Newberry who introduced eighteen year old Howard Carter to Egypt in 1894. Carter accompanied Newberry as a painter to sketch artifacts, but Carter found is purpose for living. Without university training he learned the skills of an archaeologist. He also learned to read and write hieroglyphics and the histories of the pharaohs. One pharaoh in particular called to him and that was the undiscovered Tutankhamun. Lord Carnarvon an adventurer himself and never one to back down from a challenge suffered terrible injuries in an automobile accident. Later, he was advised to spend his winters in Egypt where the climate was more suited to his condition. It was there that he developed a taste for excavation and sought Howard Carter. For several years Carter searched the sands only to discover trinkets. It was believed that the wealthy amateur excavator Theodore Davis had previously exhausted all the treasures to be found. Davis even claimed to have found a cache of Tutankhamun without actually finding the pharaoh. Although frustrated, Carter pursued what was in his heart and soul. On 4 November 1922, Carter's team came across a staircase leading down into the sand. On 24 November, Carter reached a door with a cartouche reading Tutankhamun. But the discovery would be a joy and a curse. Carter's discovery produced international interest and excitement beyond measure. Government officials, journalists and visitors from around the globe demanded access to the tomb. The battle ensued. Together Carter and Lord Carnarvon would face the climate of World War I, Egypt's National Party, the Antiquities Service, illicit antiquities dealers, the Abd el Rassul clan, Prime Minister Saad Zaghlul, the Egyptian press, envious Egyptologists, a host of self-important nobles, and thieves. The discovery of the century that should have produced scientific and artistic enthusiasm instead produced pettiness, lies, betrayal, corruption and jealousy. This incredible true story is brought to life by Christian Jacq.