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The Lost Queen of Egypt
Soon to be back in print from Purple House Press!
In the city of Akhetaten lived a princess, Ankhsenpaaten (later Ankhsenamon), who grew up in the royal household, one of six daughters of King Ahkenaten and Queen Nefertiti. We come to know and love this girl, called Small Bird by her family, through the events of her colorful childhood and her marriage to Tutankhaten, a boy of royal birth. Her efforts to save the kingdom from conniving priests and soldiers were gallant and dramatic.
While the fate of the Queen is unknown, in her story Lucile Morrison ventures to suppose a satisfying ending to the romance. An extraordinarily accurate, vivid picture of domestic and court life which will enrich any study of the culture of ancient Egypt.
Illustrations by Franz Geritz, done in the style of ancient Egypt, help set the mood of Ankhsenamon's story as the clock is turned back more than three thousand years. Color frontispiece and newly recolored map end pages.
In the city of Akhetaten lived a princess, Ankhsenpaaten (later Ankhsenamon), who grew up in the royal household, one of six daughters of King Ahkenaten and Queen Nefertiti. We come to know and love this girl, called Small Bird by her family, through the events of her colorful childhood and her marriage to Tutankhaten, a boy of royal birth. Her efforts to save the kingdom from conniving priests and soldiers were gallant and dramatic.
While the fate of the Queen is unknown, in her story Lucile Morrison ventures to suppose a satisfying ending to the romance. An extraordinarily accurate, vivid picture of domestic and court life which will enrich any study of the culture of ancient Egypt.
Illustrations by Franz Geritz, done in the style of ancient Egypt, help set the mood of Ankhsenamon's story as the clock is turned back more than three thousand years. Color frontispiece and newly recolored map end pages.
361 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1937
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1332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 21, 2021
UPDATE BELOW:
Having recently finished The Egyptologist: A Novel, I was thinking about the book that I loved as a kid that turned me on to archaeology and ancient Egypt. Didn’t remember the name of it, although I read it at least 3 times when I was 10 or 12. Googled around and found some references to The Lost Queen of Egypt. I think this is it and have ordered it from the library. Will pick it up next week and see if this is my long-lost out-of-print favorite book of my pre-teen years.
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This did turn out to be my favorite historical novel from childhood, with my BFF Ankhesenpaaten, bride of Tutankhamen, as the protagonist. I distinctly remembered this lovely portrait in the front of the book. http://www.panhistoria.com/Stacks/Nov.... I couldn’t re-read this all the way through as planned, however, because, well, a few decades have passed since then and my sensibilities have changed a bit. I would still heartily recommend it to any 10-year-old girl, but you might have to talk her out of becoming an archaeologist afterward.
Having recently finished The Egyptologist: A Novel, I was thinking about the book that I loved as a kid that turned me on to archaeology and ancient Egypt. Didn’t remember the name of it, although I read it at least 3 times when I was 10 or 12. Googled around and found some references to The Lost Queen of Egypt. I think this is it and have ordered it from the library. Will pick it up next week and see if this is my long-lost out-of-print favorite book of my pre-teen years.
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This did turn out to be my favorite historical novel from childhood, with my BFF Ankhesenpaaten, bride of Tutankhamen, as the protagonist. I distinctly remembered this lovely portrait in the front of the book. http://www.panhistoria.com/Stacks/Nov.... I couldn’t re-read this all the way through as planned, however, because, well, a few decades have passed since then and my sensibilities have changed a bit. I would still heartily recommend it to any 10-year-old girl, but you might have to talk her out of becoming an archaeologist afterward.
October 28, 2015
Interlibrary Loan | An old favourite I was glad to see again. | Like apparently everybody else who ever read this book, I stumbled across it in the school library when I was about ten. The heiroglyphs on the spine caught the attention of my Egypt-obsessed younger self (who grew into my Egypt-loving current self), and I checked it out repeatedly over the next couple years, before moving on to other schools and forgetting about it. As an adult a long Google search involving what details I remembered and the colour of the cover finally led me back to it, but with such poor availability I didn't expect to read it again. Until last week when I remembered the ILL. The book arrived at my library quickly and I read it in a sitting, glad to discover it holds up to the reread. Oh, there are things here and there I quirked an eyebrow at (all characters act far older than their stated ages), but I was impressed at how well Morrison's narrative still fits what we've pieced together from the archaeological record, while being interesting and making the reader sympathize with the protagonists.
Since they don't seem interested in getting the estate's permission to re-issue, the copies that exist--and which are mostly in libraries where they take a beating--are all there will be. When they're gone, that's it. So I've transcribed a copy for personal use. It's too bad the author probably never learned how many generations enjoyed her research and writing.
Since they don't seem interested in getting the estate's permission to re-issue, the copies that exist--and which are mostly in libraries where they take a beating--are all there will be. When they're gone, that's it. So I've transcribed a copy for personal use. It's too bad the author probably never learned how many generations enjoyed her research and writing.
March 20, 2025
I remember reading this as a middle schooler, I was so happy when purple house press reprinted it.
Such a beautifully written book. I wished it wouldn’t end!
Such a beautifully written book. I wished it wouldn’t end!
April 11, 2008
I would recommend this book to any youth between 12 and 16 who enjoys a good historical adventure, providing they could get their hands on a copy of it. Unfortunately, I have recently discovered that this book is out of print. I didn't realize that when I acquired my very own tattered copy that the school librarian sought fit to save from deaccession destruction and give to me after seeing the check out card filled with only my signatures. It was well worn and several times repaired from my repeated use. I loved it then and still love it now. The story, though very loosely based in reality, is unforgettable.
April 20, 2022
I didn’t realize how much I’d learned from this book till later, when I was reading an Amelia Peabody mystery and I recognized all the people/events that the characters were talking about. This is historical fiction done in the old school way - lots of history, slow build up, but once it for going I couldn’t put it down. The end was probably the most factionalized pet of the story - because history doesn’t tell, or hasn’t revealed yet, what did happen to this young queen, but it was a seamless, fitting, and satisfying ending.
May 10, 2011
Fab novel about what happened to Akhenesamen after Tutankhamen died.
I read the book originally at a high school library in the Claremont neighborhood of San Diego during a break. We were there for an Academic Decathalon competition. I only got about halfway through the book and it took me nearly a decade to find another copy to finish the book.
I read the book originally at a high school library in the Claremont neighborhood of San Diego during a break. We were there for an Academic Decathalon competition. I only got about halfway through the book and it took me nearly a decade to find another copy to finish the book.
February 20, 2011
I think I checked this book out of the library more times than any other when I was a kid.
August 16, 2025
Amazing! Exquisite! Perfect!!! This book is soooo good! The story is fascinating, the writing is magnificent, and the characters are lovely (except for a few. Like Aye . He is definitely not lovely.) and I learned so much about Ancient Egypt! Especially what it means to be a Pharaoh or part of the Pharaoh’s family. If you’re looking for a good historical fiction I highly recommend this!!!
January 10, 2017
Lucile Morison brings the world of ancient Egypt alive through the eyes of a young princess who becomes Tutankhamon's queen. The depth of this book far exceeds ordinary fiction written for children. It has religion, politics, intrigue, gender, history, and culture. I loved it as a kid and now. Ankhsenpaaten, the heroine, learns to read and write, unlike most girls, joins the boys in driving chariots, hunting, fishing. She marries Tutankhaten at the age of 12, normal for the times and royalty, and they quickly learn the power of the priests of Amon and must change their names to honor that god, hiding their loyalty to Aten. It is a book filled with love within a family, love of friends, and true love, of course. The plotting is leisurely for about half the book. It's a meaty book for voracious readers of any age. (I should add that it was published in 1937, not long after the discovery of King Tut's tomb but well before DNA testing, etc.)
Why is Lucile Morison the lost queen of children's literature? This was wonderful.
Why is Lucile Morison the lost queen of children's literature? This was wonderful.
December 2, 2012
This is the book that started it all for me. My love of the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt (Kemet/Kmt) stemmed from this book and from my "aunt" Minnie who was a student of Professor Carter, the discoverer of King Tutankhamen/aten's tomb.
The fond memories I hold for this book probably colors my review. I now know that the book is based on old knowledge of the time but that doesn't diminish my love for it. Knowing that little Tut could never have showed the athleticism that is suggested in the book and knowing that Akhenaten fathered the boy king on his own sister also does not make me love the book less.
So if I find a copy that I can afford it will sit in an honored position on my bookshelves!
The fond memories I hold for this book probably colors my review. I now know that the book is based on old knowledge of the time but that doesn't diminish my love for it. Knowing that little Tut could never have showed the athleticism that is suggested in the book and knowing that Akhenaten fathered the boy king on his own sister also does not make me love the book less.
So if I find a copy that I can afford it will sit in an honored position on my bookshelves!
November 10, 2016
As a child of 7 or 8, I had a recurring dream of sitting cross legged with a tablet for writing upon my lap. Not until I discovered this book in junior high did I realize I was dreaming of being a scribe.This book started me on my love of all things ancient Egypt.
History, romance and court intrigue all here in this novel. Try to find a copy!
History, romance and court intrigue all here in this novel. Try to find a copy!
February 14, 2025
I've owned the reprint from Purple House Press for years but finally read it. It is challenging reading particularly because of the names and due to the practice in ancient Egypt of marrying your sibling and having children with them. The setting is strong in this book and I liked the drawings at the beginning of the chapters. The beautiful map on the end pages was helpful and I referred to it multiple times. The two page explanation of the time period and the list of characters before the text was very helpful as well. There is a pictorial glossary at the end explaining different crowns, headdresses, and symbols followed by an explanation of the Egyptian year (month names).
This is the story of Ankhsenpaaten, the lost queen, who is 5 years old when the story starts. She is 3rd of 7 daughters born to her father and mother. The other main character is 12 year old Kenofer, an artist from Thebes who becomes a close friend when she is princess and eventually more when she is queen. Tutankhaten, was raised in Thebes by the head of the army, and brought in to the story at age 6. He is acknowledged as the son of Ankhsenpaaten's father but not her mother, making them half-siblings. She is betrothed to him at age 8 to avoid being an option to send to Babylon as part of a marriage alliance. At their father's death they begin their reign.
The story focuses mainly on Akhetaten, the city of the pharaoh and queen's youth, and Thebes, where they are expected to live during their reign. It revolves around court intrigue and the difference in religious beliefs. Brought up to believe only in Aten, they are expected to worship Amon in Thebes. Their reign is filled with separation, the loss of two infant daughters, expectations, and the loss of the beauty and freedom of their youth.
When Tutankhamon returns ill to Thebes , and thereafter is likely poisoned by the advisor who wants the throne, Ankhsenamon has to find someone to take the throne if she doesn't want to marry the advisor. An unexpected option brings this story to an end letting you believe she had a happily ever after loving who she chose instead of who would be chosen for her.
While this story did lead me to researching these characters and time period in Egypt I was less engaged than when I read other more narrative stories like G. A. Henty's Cat of Bubastes. I didn't come to care for these characters or root for them as strongly as in other stories. I struggled to figure out how old they were at different parts of the story and all the young princess daughters come across as a decade older than their age as the story starts. So it wasn't my favorite but it wasn't bad when paired with other reading. I wouldn't want my daughter reading it before 16+
This is the story of Ankhsenpaaten, the lost queen, who is 5 years old when the story starts. She is 3rd of 7 daughters born to her father and mother. The other main character is 12 year old Kenofer, an artist from Thebes who becomes a close friend when she is princess and eventually more when she is queen. Tutankhaten, was raised in Thebes by the head of the army, and brought in to the story at age 6. He is acknowledged as the son of Ankhsenpaaten's father but not her mother, making them half-siblings. She is betrothed to him at age 8 to avoid being an option to send to Babylon as part of a marriage alliance. At their father's death they begin their reign.
The story focuses mainly on Akhetaten, the city of the pharaoh and queen's youth, and Thebes, where they are expected to live during their reign. It revolves around court intrigue and the difference in religious beliefs. Brought up to believe only in Aten, they are expected to worship Amon in Thebes. Their reign is filled with separation, the loss of two infant daughters, expectations, and the loss of the beauty and freedom of their youth.
When Tutankhamon returns ill to Thebes , and thereafter is likely poisoned by the advisor who wants the throne, Ankhsenamon has to find someone to take the throne if she doesn't want to marry the advisor. An unexpected option brings this story to an end letting you believe she had a happily ever after loving who she chose instead of who would be chosen for her.
While this story did lead me to researching these characters and time period in Egypt I was less engaged than when I read other more narrative stories like G. A. Henty's Cat of Bubastes. I didn't come to care for these characters or root for them as strongly as in other stories. I struggled to figure out how old they were at different parts of the story and all the young princess daughters come across as a decade older than their age as the story starts. So it wasn't my favorite but it wasn't bad when paired with other reading. I wouldn't want my daughter reading it before 16+
May 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! Morrison did a splendid job of breathing life into these historical figures and her descriptions were so detailed that I felt as if I was standing next to them.
Morrison also included a list of books for further reading and reference at the end, which is very helpful. I definitely recommend this one!
Morrison also included a list of books for further reading and reference at the end, which is very helpful. I definitely recommend this one!
November 20, 2024
Like many others I read this as a schoolgirl. Like many others, I remember absolutely loving it. I think I already had an interest in Ancient Egypt but this must have solidified that interest. As someone commented, it is probably pretty loosely based on the historical record, and a lot has been discovered since the book was written. I'm off to see if my library has a copy. I just put a hold on this at my library. Of course some of the information this was based on may have changed, but I’m guessing not much!
Addendum: I just finished rereading it and I'm impressed by The accuracy of the author's guesswork concerning Tutankhamen's death. She has him dying of Malaria, perhaps helped along by poison. Today's scholarship agrees about Malaria...they have found Malaria in the body. But it was possibly a broken thigh combined with the Malaria that killed him off. I hope something like her guess is true for Ankhsenamun's disappearance. It seems likely we never will actually know what happened to her, poor desperate woman!
Addendum: I just finished rereading it and I'm impressed by The accuracy of the author's guesswork concerning Tutankhamen's death. She has him dying of Malaria, perhaps helped along by poison. Today's scholarship agrees about Malaria...they have found Malaria in the body. But it was possibly a broken thigh combined with the Malaria that killed him off. I hope something like her guess is true for Ankhsenamun's disappearance. It seems likely we never will actually know what happened to her, poor desperate woman!
November 9, 2017
As I think of them, I'm adding books that I remember reading when I was young. This book is one that I found in my high school library and I was attracted to it because it was about ancient Egypt. It's a novelization of the life of the daughter of King Tut (Tutankhamon or Tutenkhaten, as he preferred.) I remember how much I loved the book and how much I learned about life in ancient Egypt. I would love to have a copy now and to recommend it, but it's out of print and the cheapest copy that I can find online is $200. So, if you run across a copy in a library or in a used book sale, grab it and read it! You'll be glad that you did.
I did get a copy and reread it for the first time in about 50 years. (Thank you Jeanie!) It is a very good book.
I did get a copy and reread it for the first time in about 50 years. (Thank you Jeanie!) It is a very good book.
March 12, 2016
One of my favorite childhood books, and I have long credited it with getting me started in archaeology. It was brought to mind today when I thought of giving my only copy (bought on eBay probably 10 years ago) to a friend. Then I thought I'd just go get another copy for her, but it has apparently become a collectors' book and is quite pricey. It is the story of Ankhesenpaaten (later Ankhesenamun) who became the wife of Tutankhaaten (later Tutankhamun). It is a wonderful read and, obviously, left a lasting memory. If you ever get a chance to come across it, you'll enjoy it even as an adult.
May 27, 2020
I looked for this book for many years after having read it once as a very young child. I was recently able to find a decent copy for a decent amount of money. I don't know what's keeping them from reprinting it.
It makes Tutenaken's wife real, so you feel why she left the wreath of flowers on her husband's coffin. And it ends beautifully, with one of the loveliest and simplest sentences I have ever read.
It makes Tutenaken's wife real, so you feel why she left the wreath of flowers on her husband's coffin. And it ends beautifully, with one of the loveliest and simplest sentences I have ever read.
February 26, 2022
The book that changed my life. I read it as a nine-year-old and immediately started painting, writing and studying Egyptology. They were habits which lasted a lifetime.
It's wonderful that it is now being reprinted again at affordable prices.
A classic!
It's wonderful that it is now being reprinted again at affordable prices.
A classic!
January 18, 2019
I loved this book as a child and it started me on my love of everything Egyptian. Or did I love the book because I had a past life (or several) in Egypt? We may never know...
February 15, 2010
I read this book when I was in sixth grade; it was probably the longest book I'd ever read at that point, and I remember loving every page of it.
July 3, 2024
I wanted to read this book to prepare for a short trip my family took to Egypt a few months ago. I ended up reading this book while there, took a long hiatus from the book once we returned, and just came back around to finally finish it. I toggle between 3.5 to 4 stars, but I am rounding up to four. The coolest experience for me was actually seeing the mummy of Queen Tiy, the grandmother of the main character Aksenaten while I was in Egypt. The book was slow in parts for me and there seemed to be a disproportionate amount of time spent during the Queen's childhood while her adult life felt sped up a bit too much, but other than these qualms, I really enjoyed the story and learned so much about Egyptian history and culture. I was fascinated by Aksenaten's dad's religion which centered around Aten which deviated from the traditional god of the Egyptians at this time--Amon. There were several Judeo-Christian ideas that it made me wonder what influences this Pharaoh could have had by the people of God at this time in history. I need to do more digging to find out, but this book definitely opened a window for me to see more into an ancient culture.
April 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. I appreciated that I learned some new things about life in Egypt more than 3000 years ago, something I really did not know much about before. I found both the story itself and the descriptions interesting. However, it is also obvious to me that this is a children's book from a different time period. It moves relatively slowly, and I think kids today would expect more action and less subtlety in the narrative. Ankhesenamun's pregnancies, for example, are initially just implied and I think young people might find this a little confusing. It really would have been interesting to know more about how Ankshesenamun felt during this time, but I think at the time when these books were written authors might have been concerned about discussing such things openly in a book for children. Of course, the whole idea of people marrying their siblings is rather shocking even today, but it was a reality the royal families of Egypt and I think the author handled that well.
I wonder if new archaeological evidence has since been discovered that would have changed any parts of this story.
I wonder if new archaeological evidence has since been discovered that would have changed any parts of this story.
August 16, 2018
As with many books that I've read when I was a kid, this one pales on re-reading. Originally I loved this book and it instilled a life long love of ancient Egypt. I could have sworn that the title of the book that I read was 'Daughter of the Nile'. Now though I found it kind of ponderous, with lots of description, not too much dialogue, and children acting and speaking in very un-childlike ways.
However, it was a really nice revisit to my childhood.
However, it was a really nice revisit to my childhood.
June 29, 2021
dear daughter bought this re-print for me, after hearing me speak of how much of an impact it made for me when i read it -oh- 55 years ago. beautiful reprinting, with same cover, typeset, and illustrations. a little dated (it was originally written in 1937 !) and in the beginning, some of the conversations seemed a bit advanced for 6 year olds, but just go for the ride. it’s worth it, especially if you have seen any of the treasures from tutankamon’s tomb.
September 1, 2024
We read this book aloud as a family and really enjoyed it! I do think that we may have enjoyed it even more if we had not dragged it out over quite so long a time but, alas, we are all busy adults now. It is beautifully written and engaging. I like the way the author coupled real history with her imagination to fill in the unknowns. Ancient Egypt came alive for me! Highly recommended!
January 19, 2019
Most excellent book about ancient Egypt, Ling Antenaten, Queen Nefertiti and young King Tut. The author took the known facts , for that time period, and crafted a great story with many personable characters.
October 25, 2017
I read this from the library when I was little. I'd love to get my hands on a copy...
July 5, 2020
Back in print soon, Nov-Dec 2020, from Purple House Press.
December 12, 2020
My favorite Egyptian queen.
January 23, 2021
I loved this book as a child. I was thrilled when my husband discovered that it had been reissued and he was able to purchase a brand new copy for my Christmas gift.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews