Call number
Publication
New York, NY : Harper Perennial, 2001, c2000.
Pages
335
Description
When Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798, his troops were astonished to discover ancient temples, tombs and statues, all covered with hieroglyphs - the last remnants of an unreadable script and a language lost in time. On their return, Egyptomania spread rapidly and the quest to decipher hieroglyphs began in earnest: fame and fortune awaited the scholar who succeeded.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2000
Physical description
335 p.; 8.7 inches
ISBN
0060953497 / 9780060953492
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User reviews
LibraryThing member stellarexplorer
Reads like a detective novel, as we move briskly along a fascinating journey.
LibraryThing member mirrani
I found this book at our library's book sale and ran, giddy, over to the cashier and demanded they take my money right away. I love history, I love Ancient Egypt and I was certain I was going to love this book. Little did I know I was going to more than love it, though I don't at all know how to
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best describe my extreme joy in turning each page. Typically books about history read like history books, text books, or maybe have a little drama in them, but this book read almost like a mystery waiting to be solved, which is exactly what hieroglyphs were at the time, making the all around perfection of this writing even more of a surprise considering the subject. Do not expect a dry rambling when you pick up this book, expect adventure! Also, make sure you pack a pencil and paper along as you journey through time because this book made me realize there were many other things I wanted to read about Egyptian Hieroglyphs, the Ancient Egyptian language and writing style, and the history of rediscovering the language itself. As a result of loving this book, I have added many more to my shelves. It isn't every day that you say you will read a nonfiction work again, but I most certainly will reread this one! Show Less
LibraryThing member wkelly42
Read this one in a week while on vacation. This is a great, informative book, and my only complaint about it is that it showed me how much more I need to learn about the time period and the subject -- which, come to think of it, isn't really a bad thing.
LibraryThing member JBD1
A good overview of the subject.