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Beneath the Sands of Egypt: Adventures of an Unconventional Archaeologist
With its spectacular temples, tombs, monuments, and mummies, as well as esoteric metaphysics, legendary historical characters, and connections to the Bible, ancient Egypt has enticed the human imagination for centuries. This search for understanding and drive to uncover a lost civilization has also been the life work of archaeologist Donald P. Ryan, Ph.D. In Beneath the Sands of Egypt , he offers an intriguing personal account of a career spent researching the remains of Egypt's past, including his headline-making rediscovery of a lost tomb in the Valley of the Kings containing the mummy of the famous female pharaoh, Hatshepsut.
Since his early childhood, Ryan dreamed of exploration and adventure. Inspired by his plastic dinosaurs, his books - including Thor Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki and his father's National Geographic collection, Ryan was determined to become an archaeologist. It is a quest that has taken him from harsh desert digs to the modern comforts of Europe's finest museums to treacherous Alpine peaksand into the lives of his archaeological predecessors, gathering insight from obscure documents and, literally, digging in their wake.
Beneath the Sands of Egypt interweaves Ryan's captivating tales from the field with reflections into the arcane world of Egyptology, from the writings of Herodotus to the tools of the trade, the intricacies of obtaining a digging permit to the thrall of popular myths. In addition, Ryan introduces a diverse cast of eccentric colleagues, helpful locals, wily entrepreneurs, and enlightened benefactors who have touched his life, including the legendary Thor Heyerdahl, Ryan's childhood hero who eventually became his friend, mentor, and boss. Throughout, Ryan adds his unique touch, reminding us how an artifact as seemingly insignificant as a piece of rope can unlock invaluable insights and offer its own wonderful tale.
Infused with the irrepressible curiosity that has fueled Ryan's journey, Beneath the Sands of Egypt is the extraordinary story of a man who has spent a lifetime embracing adventure whenever and wherever he finds it.
Since his early childhood, Ryan dreamed of exploration and adventure. Inspired by his plastic dinosaurs, his books - including Thor Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki and his father's National Geographic collection, Ryan was determined to become an archaeologist. It is a quest that has taken him from harsh desert digs to the modern comforts of Europe's finest museums to treacherous Alpine peaksand into the lives of his archaeological predecessors, gathering insight from obscure documents and, literally, digging in their wake.
Beneath the Sands of Egypt interweaves Ryan's captivating tales from the field with reflections into the arcane world of Egyptology, from the writings of Herodotus to the tools of the trade, the intricacies of obtaining a digging permit to the thrall of popular myths. In addition, Ryan introduces a diverse cast of eccentric colleagues, helpful locals, wily entrepreneurs, and enlightened benefactors who have touched his life, including the legendary Thor Heyerdahl, Ryan's childhood hero who eventually became his friend, mentor, and boss. Throughout, Ryan adds his unique touch, reminding us how an artifact as seemingly insignificant as a piece of rope can unlock invaluable insights and offer its own wonderful tale.
Infused with the irrepressible curiosity that has fueled Ryan's journey, Beneath the Sands of Egypt is the extraordinary story of a man who has spent a lifetime embracing adventure whenever and wherever he finds it.
286 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2010
87 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Donald P. Ryan
20 books23 followersDonald P. Ryan is an Egyptologist and archaeologist who has spent more than twenty years excavating in the Valley of the Kings.
―The American University in Cairo Press
―The American University in Cairo Press
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 9, 2022
This is not something I would normally choose to read but I’m so glad I did. I’ve been trying to read more nonfiction. I was never interested in Egypt before. I learned so much from this book. Egypt and ancient history make a lot more sense to me now. Very good writing. I like the way the chapters were organized and flowed. Very good book!
July 19, 2012
A pleasant, slight, rather self-indulgent memoir. There is no index, making it useless for research or reference. Ryan offers some interesting anecdotes about his personal experiences in the field, but I suspect most of the hard archaeological data can be found elsewhere. There are long digressions on Belzoni and excavator David Hogarth, and a sketch of the author's relationship with Thor Heyerdahl.
Minor but annoying errors (can HarperCollins not afford editors?) are scattered through the book, such as the use of "descendant" where "ancestor" is meant on p.54.
Minor but annoying errors (can HarperCollins not afford editors?) are scattered through the book, such as the use of "descendant" where "ancestor" is meant on p.54.
November 19, 2020
Donald Ryan chronicles his career from his first interest in exploration and archeology to his first digs and his efforts to finally get his PhD so he could be in charge of a dig himself. He goes through some tombs in the Valley of the Kings that were discovered years earlier and been sealed back up. He checks the condition of the tombs and sees if anything was left from the earlier digs and if any damage has been done by the flooding of the Valley. He also finds a tomb that had disappeared under the sands. It was known and already explored and had been plundered before. In it he finds the mummies of 2 women (as was reported - the tomb and been plundered and there was not much to identify these women). The way the left arm of one of the mummy's was bent and the fact her hand was in a fist led him to believe that she was probably royalty. Also, this tomb was near the tomb of Hatshepsut (who had not been found in her tomb). They built a new coffin for the mummies and restored them to the tomb and put a metal door and lock on it. Apparently this metal door and lock procedure is done with most tombs that have been reopened. Then a few years later he was denied the right to dig in the Valley of the Kings or in Egypt. The then-head of Antiquities in Egypt for famous for denying foreigners. He was in England at a conference when he ran into Thor Heyerdahl, a hero from his childhood. He went up and introduced himself and they talked a bit about the work he had been doing. Heyerdahl gave Donald his card and said if he was at a loose end, to call him. When he was denied access to Egypt, he did. He went to an interview and was hired as an assistant, which position he held up Heyerdahl's death. He has done many things besides digging in Egypt - trying to help an area in Hawaii chart the old petroglyphs and get some idea of how they went together and how to preserve them. He also did some work on ancient Egyptian rope-making and papyrus. He finally got back into Egypt under a new head of Antiquities and rechecked his old site where he had been working. He found one of the female mummies gone and learned the head had moved her to the museum to study more closely. He, too, believed she had been royal.
A wonderful look at the ups and downs of archeology, how it has changed and how many different things are involved.
A wonderful look at the ups and downs of archeology, how it has changed and how many different things are involved.
June 22, 2021
Reading with his father issues of National Geographic, Donald Ryan was quickly drawn into the discoveries in ancient Egypt especially after reading Howard Carter's Tomb of Tutankhamen. The adventures of Thor Heyerdahl and Kon-Tiki also had an impact.
Starting with a chapter regarding one of his field seasons in the Valley of the Kings where he and his team were attempting to find a lost tomb. Not lost as some tombs were - and a few might still be - from the time shortly after the original burial but lost in the decades since Carter and Davis and others were rampaging through the valley in order to find artifacts - shiny and impressive. Damaged tombs with broken pottery and ravaged mummies and tons of rocks and silt deposited from floods just weren't on the agenda. But for Ryan, KV60 was his focus and in time, it proved to be where Queen Hatshepsut's mummy was discovered.
Anyway, Ryan goes through his life, his education as well as his exploits in excavation parts of ancient Egypt and he definitely goes into the boring parts. Like looking for tiny fish bones and flint tools in the southern edges of the Fayyum, a natural basin which has prehistoric agricultural sites along the lake which has varied in size over thousands in years. Crawling into a cave near the Pyramids of Guimar in the Canary Islands with Thor Heyerdahl and getting covered with fleas. Yes, he met and actually worked with his hero for several years until Heyerdahl's death in 2002.
It is a revealing tale of what archaeologists are basically required to do in order to get work on the sites of their specialties - especially since the Supreme Council of Antiquities has taken to presenting what the world sees as Egypt's preeminent resource - it's history. It also shows the hard work along with the overpowering heat and the dust/silt/mummy particles involved in excavating in the Valley. Ryan even comments that at the beginning of one season, his Egyptian workers paperwork wasn't completed so he and his team started to re-open the tomb, moving rocks and dirt and. . . his respect for his workers who move hundreds of pounds of earth and rock every day grew as he considered his own aches at the end of the day.
And he just hasn't worked in Egypt for his entire career. Recording petroglyphs in Hawaii. Excavating the above mentioned pyramids in Tenerife. Giving lectures on Polynesia to passengers on a cruise ship going from Easter Island to Tahiti. His personal 'hobby' of mountain hiking which eventually led to an interest in ancient rope construction and in turn, has him be considered quite knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian ropes which in many cases are mere fragments.
There are a lot of names being dropped especially as the author goes into the history of Egyptology. There are far more detailed works available so most of the older notables - Carter and Davis, Flinders Petrie and Belzoni - are not that in depth. He has worked with - and in some cases, beside - Zahi Hawass, Salima Ikram, Kent Weeks and Otto Schaden.
It reads like an adventure with a very readable writing style and provides a different insight for those interested in what a Valley of the Kings excavation is like.
2021-125
Starting with a chapter regarding one of his field seasons in the Valley of the Kings where he and his team were attempting to find a lost tomb. Not lost as some tombs were - and a few might still be - from the time shortly after the original burial but lost in the decades since Carter and Davis and others were rampaging through the valley in order to find artifacts - shiny and impressive. Damaged tombs with broken pottery and ravaged mummies and tons of rocks and silt deposited from floods just weren't on the agenda. But for Ryan, KV60 was his focus and in time, it proved to be where Queen Hatshepsut's mummy was discovered.
Anyway, Ryan goes through his life, his education as well as his exploits in excavation parts of ancient Egypt and he definitely goes into the boring parts. Like looking for tiny fish bones and flint tools in the southern edges of the Fayyum, a natural basin which has prehistoric agricultural sites along the lake which has varied in size over thousands in years. Crawling into a cave near the Pyramids of Guimar in the Canary Islands with Thor Heyerdahl and getting covered with fleas. Yes, he met and actually worked with his hero for several years until Heyerdahl's death in 2002.
It is a revealing tale of what archaeologists are basically required to do in order to get work on the sites of their specialties - especially since the Supreme Council of Antiquities has taken to presenting what the world sees as Egypt's preeminent resource - it's history. It also shows the hard work along with the overpowering heat and the dust/silt/mummy particles involved in excavating in the Valley. Ryan even comments that at the beginning of one season, his Egyptian workers paperwork wasn't completed so he and his team started to re-open the tomb, moving rocks and dirt and. . . his respect for his workers who move hundreds of pounds of earth and rock every day grew as he considered his own aches at the end of the day.
And he just hasn't worked in Egypt for his entire career. Recording petroglyphs in Hawaii. Excavating the above mentioned pyramids in Tenerife. Giving lectures on Polynesia to passengers on a cruise ship going from Easter Island to Tahiti. His personal 'hobby' of mountain hiking which eventually led to an interest in ancient rope construction and in turn, has him be considered quite knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian ropes which in many cases are mere fragments.
There are a lot of names being dropped especially as the author goes into the history of Egyptology. There are far more detailed works available so most of the older notables - Carter and Davis, Flinders Petrie and Belzoni - are not that in depth. He has worked with - and in some cases, beside - Zahi Hawass, Salima Ikram, Kent Weeks and Otto Schaden.
It reads like an adventure with a very readable writing style and provides a different insight for those interested in what a Valley of the Kings excavation is like.
2021-125
February 12, 2024
The author's wonder and delight at being an archaeologist suffuses the book. He even appreciates his time spent doing what most people would consider the tedium of becoming an expert on bits of ancient Egyptian cordage. Most books about archaeology talk about the process and the finds, but not the living conditions for the excavators. I never would have made it in Egypt! Requires incredible physical stamina (and willingness to forego plumbing and other niceties). In addition to living his dream of digging in the Valley of the Kings, he also got to be right-hand man for several years to his childhood idol, Thor Heyerdahl. The author describes the challenges of finding funding and work; archaeologists are essentially highly educated gig workers. It is this latter bit that dissuaded me from ever pursuing a career in the field. Employment is too iffy. He mentioned one brilliant scholar who eventually just chucked everything and went back to school to become a machinist.
May 16, 2023
Very enjoyable read, it’s been on my tbr for several years. No really dry parts like you might expect of a non-fiction book on archaeology.
The author has a persistent desire for adventure, first awakened as a child. The years working with Thor Heyerdahl were a dream come true, on top of his years spent in his beloved Egypt.
If you’re a boring person with no sense of adventure, this is not for you.
Photographs, background history, sadly no index, just a great read.
The author has a persistent desire for adventure, first awakened as a child. The years working with Thor Heyerdahl were a dream come true, on top of his years spent in his beloved Egypt.
If you’re a boring person with no sense of adventure, this is not for you.
Photographs, background history, sadly no index, just a great read.
August 17, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed travertine through the author's life as an archeologist with a focus on Egypt. Beyond the specific projects, it highlights how much we don't know about those who came before us. This was easy to read... some of the interactions between these scientists was hilarious.
June 20, 2013
Donald Ryan wrote a fun yet sometime confusing biography of his professional archeological career.. This book gives a great historical background of archeological history in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, famous and no famous archeologists, practices and new scientific discoveries.
Dr. Ryan is a passionate and intelligent go getter that leans towards arrogance. His writing style is inviting but jumps around, as many biographys do. He also switches location from paragraph to paragraph leaving you confused and retreading pages. This book could have used a little more editing.
Now, who doesn't like Egyptian artifacts? This book is full of exciting discoveries, or rather rediscoveries,at a fast pace that is fun to read.
Dr. Ryan is a passionate and intelligent go getter that leans towards arrogance. His writing style is inviting but jumps around, as many biographys do. He also switches location from paragraph to paragraph leaving you confused and retreading pages. This book could have used a little more editing.
Now, who doesn't like Egyptian artifacts? This book is full of exciting discoveries, or rather rediscoveries,at a fast pace that is fun to read.
October 5, 2010
A very enjoyable memoir of an archaeologist. As the sub-title indicates he is an "unconventional" archaeologist and this book goes into some of the details of his unusual career path from rock-climbing into tomb-exploration in Egypt. The chapters dealing with his explorations in Egypt were (to me, anyway) the most interesting. His association with Thor Heyerdahl was quite interesting as well. The book made me want to learn more about the Valley of the Kings and the history of its exploration. The book is not technical at all and should appeal to wide range of readers.
February 21, 2018
A little more auto-biographical than what I was expecting but none-the-less a solid read. I've always been fascinated with archaelogy and ancient Egypt, so reading something from the hands that have actually done it was entertaining for me. He even manages to make reading about rope engaging.
Recommended if you, like me are interested in Ancient Egyptian Archaeology
Recommended if you, like me are interested in Ancient Egyptian Archaeology
January 17, 2023
In the case of Beneath the Sands of Egypt by Donald P Ryan, the subtitle of Adventures of an Unconventional Archaeologist is pretty much spot on. This fascinating book serves Ryan's memoir, as he recounts the winding path that brought him to Egypt and the many adventures he had there, not only digging in the sands but also participating in the filming of documentaries. As an added bonus, he also shares how he came to cross paths with the legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl and ended up helping this legend with his own research. That's quite a career, and Ryan himself shows that not only does he possess a lively curiosity, but he delivers the account of exploits in an engaging fashion with somewhat wryly humorous observations.
In listening to this audiobook, beautifully narrated by Paul Boehmer, I also inadvertently also learnt a lot more about the importance of fibre technology in ancient Egypt than I expected I would (!!!) – and I love it when books deliver such seemingly inconsequential factoids. Yes, there is an Egypt Papyrus Museum, and yes, I want to go there one day.
Ryan offers a perfect blend of archaeological research and amusing anecdotes, so there is never a dull moment in this book. I was quite sad when I reached the end, and I'm happy to report that I've since picked up two copies of his other publications. Perhaps one of the highlights for the read was Ryan describing how they staged the scenes where he and a television presenter encountered bats in old tombs. Ryan also reminds me why although I love all things Egypt, I'm rather glad that I'm able to indulge in my passion without trying to monetise it. While many people may have a desire to embark on careers in Egyptology, the opportunities to make a career of it are far and few between.
In listening to this audiobook, beautifully narrated by Paul Boehmer, I also inadvertently also learnt a lot more about the importance of fibre technology in ancient Egypt than I expected I would (!!!) – and I love it when books deliver such seemingly inconsequential factoids. Yes, there is an Egypt Papyrus Museum, and yes, I want to go there one day.
Ryan offers a perfect blend of archaeological research and amusing anecdotes, so there is never a dull moment in this book. I was quite sad when I reached the end, and I'm happy to report that I've since picked up two copies of his other publications. Perhaps one of the highlights for the read was Ryan describing how they staged the scenes where he and a television presenter encountered bats in old tombs. Ryan also reminds me why although I love all things Egypt, I'm rather glad that I'm able to indulge in my passion without trying to monetise it. While many people may have a desire to embark on careers in Egyptology, the opportunities to make a career of it are far and few between.
October 4, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. It had some interesting narrative and revealed a good deal about the actual physical work of archeology. However, this is mostly a somewhat self-indulgent memoir of an unusual scholar. He spent a lot of tie as a rock climber and guide, couldn’t get along at the U of Washington and wound up educated at some second rate places. In spite of that he worked hard and conscientiously on digs in Egypt and made some discoveries. He was tapped by BBC for a documentary, but one of the producers referred to him as an Indiana Jones wanna be, and I got the feeling that is true. The author also spent seven yers as an aide to Thor Heyerdahl, so that doesn’t suggest the highest level of scholarship. Still, he writes with verve and his combination of scholarship and adventure may spur other young minds to have a go at archeology.
August 22, 2019
Taken on the grounds of an interesting little travelogue, I enjoyed reading this book. I did, and you might, too, if you enjoy travel writing. Having said that, most of the other reviewers are dead-on when they call it "self-indulgent." Donald P. Ryan does a lot of talking about Donald P. Ryan.
I picked it up expecting to learn about archaeology in Egypt, and I did, but not anywhere near as much as I learned about Donald's adventures vagabonding around Egypt. Not gonna lie, it gave me a lot of inspiration to go explore the same places he did; I found myself taking notes as I read. Unfortunately, that's not what the book advertised itself as.
Also, this book is replete with grammatical errors. At least four misspelled or misused words in the first 75 pages.
I picked it up expecting to learn about archaeology in Egypt, and I did, but not anywhere near as much as I learned about Donald's adventures vagabonding around Egypt. Not gonna lie, it gave me a lot of inspiration to go explore the same places he did; I found myself taking notes as I read. Unfortunately, that's not what the book advertised itself as.
Also, this book is replete with grammatical errors. At least four misspelled or misused words in the first 75 pages.
April 12, 2018
I wanted to give this a higher rating, I really did, because there were a lot of really intriguing and interesting bits in it. I picked it up on a whim and overall it was rather a decent book. But, like many previous reviewers, I agreed that it seems like a LOT of bragging about how great this guy was, and how lucky he was etc. etc. I admittedly had to skim over a lot of those parts because they were honestly getting a little obnoxious and repetitive.
It was interesting to hear more about Belzoni and the discoveries he made re. 18th Dynasty ladies, and to see some of the exclusive photos the author had.
It was interesting to hear more about Belzoni and the discoveries he made re. 18th Dynasty ladies, and to see some of the exclusive photos the author had.
December 20, 2025
Look I’ve read a lot of memoirs in my time and this one is all over the place. If you’re looking for a memoir about an archeologist and you just want to know more about that field of study you’ll probably like this book.
If you’re looking for a detailed study of an expeditions only Egyptian places then… pass on this one. It wanders far and wide and doesn’t do a great job at connecting all the pieces into an over arching theme. He’s clearly brilliant and well educated but it’s not quite what it was advertised as a hard hitting discussion on Egypt.
This man has lived a very interesting and fruitful life, but ironically you kind of have to dig to find that here.
If you’re looking for a detailed study of an expeditions only Egyptian places then… pass on this one. It wanders far and wide and doesn’t do a great job at connecting all the pieces into an over arching theme. He’s clearly brilliant and well educated but it’s not quite what it was advertised as a hard hitting discussion on Egypt.
This man has lived a very interesting and fruitful life, but ironically you kind of have to dig to find that here.
June 8, 2023
When you think of Egypt, one thinks of pyramids. However, there is much more to this country than just pyramids.
Donald P. Ryan dives into some of the adventures that he has undertaken during his years excavating in Egypt.
I absolutely loved this book! It was full of great stories, wonderful history, and even a few chuckles along the way. If you want to look at history a bit differently, check out this book. I enjoyed the author's "just get over it" attitude. Very refreshing - and someone that I would love to sit down, pick their brain, and have an honest-to-goodness conversation.
Donald P. Ryan dives into some of the adventures that he has undertaken during his years excavating in Egypt.
I absolutely loved this book! It was full of great stories, wonderful history, and even a few chuckles along the way. If you want to look at history a bit differently, check out this book. I enjoyed the author's "just get over it" attitude. Very refreshing - and someone that I would love to sit down, pick their brain, and have an honest-to-goodness conversation.
September 13, 2025
4.5 out of 5.
Subtitled "Adventures of an Unconventional Archaeologist". Dr. Ryan shares how he turned his childhood dream into reality, becoming friends with Thor Heyerdahl's friend, mentee, and employee, and rediscovered KV60, the lost tomb of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh.
The writing is breezy and fun. The mix of Ryan's adventures and that of previous archaeologists was both delightful and educational. I've long had a soft spot for archaeology, particularly for Egypt. This book reminds me what I loved. Highly recommend!
Subtitled "Adventures of an Unconventional Archaeologist". Dr. Ryan shares how he turned his childhood dream into reality, becoming friends with Thor Heyerdahl's friend, mentee, and employee, and rediscovered KV60, the lost tomb of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh.
The writing is breezy and fun. The mix of Ryan's adventures and that of previous archaeologists was both delightful and educational. I've long had a soft spot for archaeology, particularly for Egypt. This book reminds me what I loved. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2025
If you decide to read the novel, you will learn something new. Also, it will not be something you expect. Dr. Donald P. Ryan's experiences are an autobiography of his early years. He talks about breaking into the field of archaeology while mentioning in-depth information about his trials and difficulties. The reader will discover a description of Egypt as it existed in the 1980s. Dr. Ryan hasn't made any landmark discoveries, but like others, he has made little-known significant contributions to the field.
As a side note, this book will give you new ideas about what you need to prepare if you plan to visit Egypt.
As a side note, this book will give you new ideas about what you need to prepare if you plan to visit Egypt.
April 5, 2025
~4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. The author obviously shares my passionate near-obsession with ancient Egypt, is driven in his pursuit of knowledge, and has written a book both enlightening and fascinating. This book is written in a grabbing narrative form, is encouraging, inspiring, and provides a fascinating glimpse into both the life of an archeologist, and the explorations of the remains of ancient Egyptian civilization.
June 13, 2019
I enjoyed the book and would read another. I especially liked the details, the history of rope as well as the conditions of the tombs. I liked the asides, the odd lodgings and heat/travel. Some parts went on a big long (rope, loved it for half). There were parts that were alive - crawling through tombs and parts I wanted more on - Thor.
July 16, 2021
Paul Ryan’s memoir is a fascinating look at an archaeologist’s life full of unique experiences and unconventional methods of living his dream. His tales of research projects and where they lead are revealing while also being fun to learn about. Overall, this is an inspiring book full of insight into the field of archaeology and the different ways to get there.
May 23, 2024
Started strong, ended strong but wanting more, middle was Ok. Not all about Egypt but mostly. This was a $1 library sale book and I am glad I bought and read it. I recently watched a documentary about Ziha Hawass (who has a large part in the last chapter) about his excavations in the Valley of the Kings because of this book and found it fascinating. Recommended.
December 17, 2025
Really interesting information about the Valley of the Kings and the many and various tombs, mostly robbed but not necessarily and with stuff left behind. And many damaged by water which seems odd to those of us - well, me -who have never been there and think of it as a place that never gets rain.
Not much else to say about it - if you're interested in archeology I think you'll like it.
T
Not much else to say about it - if you're interested in archeology I think you'll like it.
T
September 17, 2017
Exploration
This is essentially an autobiography of an Egyptologist who has excavated many sites in the ancient country. I unfortunately do not possess the background or the knowledge to really appreciate this book, but some of it was interesting.
This is essentially an autobiography of an Egyptologist who has excavated many sites in the ancient country. I unfortunately do not possess the background or the knowledge to really appreciate this book, but some of it was interesting.
June 25, 2024
It was really nice to read this book while also listening to “Great Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt” as they refer often to the same pharaohs — one as the living entity and this book is exploring in their tombs. The supportive overlap was quite surprising.
Want to read
July 31, 2024I have been interested in learning about Egypt's history both modern and ancient. This book seems like a great introduction to the excavation of Egypt as well as an interesting memoir of Donald Ryan's experience there as an archaeologist and Egyptologist.
July 29, 2018
I’m not interested in egyptologists. This book taught me that.
March 7, 2021
Made me fall in love with archeology all over again.
July 3, 2021
I knew very little about archeology, and now I know slightly more!
Read
January 15, 2024I did not finish. As much as I wanted to get into it, I couldn't.:(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews