Tutankhamun

by T.G.H. James

The purpose of this book is to describe by text and illustration the extraordinary tomb of this seemingly unimportant king of the late Eighteenth Dynasty, with its exceptional contents. An introductory chapter sets the historical scene for the reign of Tutankhamun, placing it in the context of the anciently reviled period of heresy associated with King Akhenaten, and its disintegration after his death. Tutankhamun ruled on the point of the change back to a traditional Egyptian regime, with the rehabilitation of the old gods, a change, which was consolidated after his death by his general Horemheb. A second chapter discusses the archaeology of the discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. It will show, more clearly than has previously been appreciated, how Carter's obsession with the Valley of the Kings and, secondarily with the Amarna Period and its aftermath, developed from his earliest days in Egypt, the course of this search for 'the' royal tomb. The drama of the final season, with the discovery, the revelation of a virtually un-robbed royal tomb's contents, and the poignant death of the Earl of Caernarfon, provides the element of the Greek tragedy to this unique event. A large selection of the objects found in the tomb is described in the main body of the book. Colour photographs specially taken for this publication accompany the descriptive texts, which place the objects in their distinctive settings as exceptional example of the creativity of the ancient Egyptian artists and craftsmen.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Egyptology, Art, Biography

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2000

About the author

Full name: Thomas Garnet Henry James

Reviews

[Chris Steeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully laid out book with clear pristine photos showing and detailing the contents of Tuts tomb.

The book begins with a brief history of Tutankhamun and then the discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter. This is followed by the photos of many of the objects and detailed text explaining what they are and the meanings of them being there and also what is inscribed on them. It is just incredible to think that these beautiful ornaments and practical objects were being creatively designed and made all those years back.

My main gripe with this book was the size of the text. I had to get a magnifying glass to read it as it was a little too small for me to read comfortably without it.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW pictures alone are worth the time!

[Karl H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very simple picture book.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of the treasures found in Tut’s tomb and the man who found them. This book is full of beautiful colour photographs of the treasures from the tomb. There are also many b&w photos of Carter and the excavation leading to the discovery of Tut’s tomb.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really good book that is ENORMOUS so that you can get a good look at all of the items in his tomb. Not the best book on Tutankhamun, but still really cool.

[Dishita paramr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also want to discover his tomb... after 2005 no one has taken out his tomb... i want to do it.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible book if for nothing else the pictures of the treasures of the tomb. Very informative chapters of the finding and removal of the treasures. Excellent book, very recommended

[Magpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheryl 2016
Meryl Review 2016
Absolutely breathtaking coffee table book - the history section is thorough and the photographic plates sumptuous.
But did you have to make the writing so small!?

[Jade Elias-killeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully photographed and I cannot wait for the exhibition