From Booklist
Tutankhamen's reign, though brief, is historically significant because it coincided with restoration of the traditional Egyptian pantheon, which had been suppressed in an experiment in radical monotheism under the famous pharaoh Akhenaton. But it's the trove discovered in 1922 that has elevated Tutankhamen into an archaeological superstar, invariably drawing stadium-size crowds to museums that periodically exhibit its objects. A selection of about 130 items (without the spectacular coffins but including grave goods from other kings of Tutankhamen's dynasty) will tour four U.S. cities from 2005 to 2007: this book is the sanctioned companion to the exhibition. Written by one of the premier names in Egyptology, it closely describes the physical and symbolic attributes of each object and explains its purpose in the afterlife. Hawass' text sustains his reputation (
Secrets from the Sand, 2003) as an engagingly clear public presenter of the subject, as it threads a general history of the eighteenth dynasty with dramatic narration of archaeologist Howard Carter's finding of Tutankhamen's sepulchre. An arrestingly visual album destined for high demand.
Gilbert TaylorCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun - the most spectacular royal tomb ever found - is one of the most famous events in the history of archaeology. The treasures of this tomb surpass all others and the 50 Tutankhamun artifacts featured in this book illustrate many uses of gold and other precious materials in ancient Egypt, providing us with a glimpse into the extraordinary richness of this ancient civilization. The book also includes cutting-edge forensic data that may provide tantalizing clues to Tutankhamun's mysterious life and death. In addition, artifacts from the period preceding the reign of Tutankhamun will be featured, illuminating this fascinating era of Egyptian history and setting the stage for the treasures of Tut. These pieces will illustrate the history of the 18th dynasty, daily life under the golden pharaohs and the journeys of both kings and commoners to the afterlife and will include pieces dating to the reigns of four 18th dynasty pharaohs, the direct ancestors of Tutankhamun: Amenhotep II, Tuthmosis IV, Amenhotep III and Akhenaten
