Tutankhamen: The Politics of Discovery

by Howard Carter, Nicholas Reeves

In April 1923 one of the greatest archaeological discoveries was in jeopardy, and its excavators embroiled in controversy. This is the first time that Howard Carter's own statement concerning these events has been published in full. It first appeared in 1924 as a privately printed pamphlet, with a print run of about thirty. Here, it is reprinted in full, with an introduction by Nicholas Reeves and some highly evocative photographs.

180 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Howard Carter is best known for his discovery of the tomb of the 14th century BCE Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Carter was an English archaeologist and Egyptologist who devoted his life to archaeology. He first travelled to Egypt in 1891, where he held several archaeological positions, until in 1907 he was privately funded by the English aristocrat Lord Carnarvon to carry out work at Carnarvon's excavation sites. This work was interrupted by World War One, but resumed immediately after. In 1922, growing tired of the lack of results Carnarvon offered Carter one more year of funding.

On the 4th of November 1922 Carter discovered the entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun. This discovery immediately gained international attention, and huge crowds flocked to see the tomb. This was the first intact ancient, royal Egyptian discovered. The immensely demanding task of excavating and examining the artefacts continued for several years, amidst a great amount of controversy and difficulties.

Carter eventually left Tutankhamum for others, and spent the remainder of his life as an agent for collectors and museums, and as a public speaker on the subject of Egyptology.