Fortune & Glory: Tales of History's Greatest Archaeological Adventurers

by Douglas Palmer

"Fortune & Glory" follows the exploits of the intrepid and sometimes piratical adventurers who put life, limb and reputation at risk in the discovery of some of the world's best-known historical monuments.From 4004BC to the 21st century, "Fortune & Glory" chronicles all of the major discoveries these awe-inspiring explorers have made, through vivid first-hand accounts, maps, images and captivating commentary.Learn about the evidence of our ancestors and the birth of man, explorations and adventures in the classical world and empires in Egypt and Africa. Follow Howard Carter into the tomb of Tutankhamun, Hiram Bingham into the lost city of Machu Picchu, and discover how Heinrich Schliemann turned myth into history when he found the legendary city of Troy.From early mavericks and amateurs to the science of modern archaeology, "Fortune & Glory" will make you marvel at the courage, vision, resourcefulness, innovation and perseverence of the real-life Indiana Joneses.

Genres: Archaeology, Nonfiction, History, Anthropology

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2008

About the author

Douglas Palmer is a science writer, academic, and author of many books on paleontology, including Life Before Man and Graptolites: Writing in the Rock. In addition to writing numerous articles for leading journals such as Science and New Scientist, he teaches Natural and Earth Sciences at Cambridge University, England.

Reviews

[Elentarri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting subject, but stodgy, uninspiring writing. Some of the chapters are more biographies than tales of adventures, or about archaeology, the findings, or the significance of the archaeological findings. The book starts off with the chronological discovery of the various fossils that make up the human family tree, especially the Leakey family discoveries in Africa. This is followed by chapters on the first dinosaur fossil discoveries; the various treasure hunts / archaeological discoveries in Egypt; Heinrich Schliemann's search for Troy and other Greek excavations; Mesopotamia and the de-encryption of cuneiform; biblical archaeology; a passing mention at Buddhist/Indian archeology, Mayan and Incan archaeological findings. No mention of the Tarim mummies. Bland and disappointing.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dull read considering how great the subject matter could be. Putting this one to rest about halfway complete.