Howard Carter [Hardcover]

T. G. H. James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0710304250 | ISBN-13: 978-0710304254 | Edition: First Edition

The path understanding of the life and career of Howard Carter is dominated by his discovery 1922 of the tomb of Tutankhamun. By this time, he had already spent nearly 30 years in Egypt, much of it in archaeological activity other than excavation. This book places the great discovery in the context of Carter's whole career, describing the clearly defined stages by which a young man of 17, brought to Egypt as a "tracer" and knowing little beyond how to use a pencil and an artist's brush, became what one great Egyptologist called "the very best artist", was appointed at the age of 26 the first Chief Inspector of Antiquities in Upper Egypt, and by good fortune out of disaster became "the learned man" who assisted the 5th Earl of Carnovon in the Thecan exacavations. Howard Carter's career before Tutankhamun was by no means confined to grubbing in unimportant sites. He was fortunate to be working in Egypt in the years when excavation and other forms of field-work, especially epigraphy, were developing beyond the amateurism and informal buccaneering of earlier times. His natural talents as artist, observer, and practical man, with his rare sympathy and understanding of the Egyptians who lived and worked in the prime excavation sites, made him well suited to the uncertain conditions and unpredictable results of archaeological activities. Of modest origins and by nature a solitary man, he was drawn to the grand life of those who made Egyptology a rich man's pastime in the early years of the 20th century; of irascible and stubborn temper, he often alienated his supporters and threatened his own downfall. He was not an easy man to be involved with. In this study of a complex character, who ultimately achieves supreme archaeological triumph, much use has been made of a wide range of documentary sources, including some never previously exploited, so as to place Howard Carter in the social and political milieux of Egypt at a period of great change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book cannot be more highly recommended to those who love archaeology, Egyptology or maintain a fascination with Tutankhamun and his tomb. As a biography it is first-rate.” --Donald P Ryan, Archaeology

 

“...a serious vintage served by the most knowledgeable of wine-waiters”.--John Ray, Times Literary Supplement

 

“[This] book will delight those eager to learn about archaeology abroad” --Gerald Cadogan, Financial Times

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

T.G.H. James was a former Keeper of Egyptian Antiquities at the British Museum. He has published extensively on Egyptological subjects, including Tutankhamun (Tauris Parke Paperbacks).

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 443 pages
• Publisher: Kegan Paul International; First Edition edition (January 7, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0710304250
• ISBN-13: 978-0710304254
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > History > Africa > Egypt

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Astonishing Achievment, June 19, 2009

By 

William Klein (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Howard Carter: The Path to Tutankhamun (Paperback)

Anyone who loves archaeology, and in particular, the story of Howard Carter and his discovery of Tutankamun's tomb, will love this almost novel-like biography. T.G.H. James, former keeper of Egyptian antiquities at the British Museum, writes with the clarity, insight and understanding of a novelist of the first order. The book is a gem that belongs in the library of everyone fascinated with Howard Carter, his life and his times.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete biography, January 10, 2004

By 

Wayne (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Howard Carter: The Path to Tutankhamun (Paperback)

The most completest biography about Howard Carter I 've ever read.Complete story through his successful but regretfu life.
If you 've ever interested about The tomb of Tutankhamen and the man who spent his most of life on it.You should have this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars T.G.H. James on Howard Carter, March 5, 2011

By 

T.L.Buck - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Howard Carter: The Path to Tutankhamun (Paperback)

I first became aware of Archaeology in Elementary school on a field trip to the Toledo Museum of Art. I've always been a reader and that experience led me to books on the subject. I cannot remember where I heard the name Howard Carter initially, but wherever, I found Tutankhamen. After that, I read everything I could get my hands on. Carter's publications, articles, other authors but never anything about the man, himself, in detail. Dr. James has done just that. I was very pleased with the book. It has what I was looking for. Personal, in depth biography, warts and all of a truely great man in his field. The fact that he wasn't academically trained makes him even more so. I find it disturbing that he's almost forgotten. A sad commentary on what he accomplished. I loved the book and recommend it to anyone facinated by Egyptology. Well done.