Customer Reviews

Howard Carter

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was first attracted to reading this biography on Howard Carter after watching the BBC series Egypt Egypt (BBC). Carter was depicted in both flattering and unflattering ways, so I decided to embark on my own personal quest to find out as much about the man as I could. Howard Carter: The Path to Tutankhamun helped me to do just that.

This book is simply a one-stop-shop on all things Carter related. From his childhood, peak of fame, and unnoticed death, every aspect of this man's life is written in painstaking detail. At times, you will find day by day and hour by hour accounts of different events that occur. Letters written by him and others are reproduced in full text, and the book is quite neutral regarding controversial subjects.

For the more casual reader, you might find this book to be a bit meticulous and overly detailed, which is why I feel it is more geared to scholars and researchers than the curious history lovers. I do not have any regret in reading it, however it often felt like an ordeal to get through. After my first attempt to read through it, it sat on my shelf for a good 3-4 months before I gave it another try. I am a firm believer that biographies do not need to be dry to the mind, but that does unfortunately happen with this one.

My compliments on the author for a well-written account on the life of Howard Carter. He succeeds in his purpose, yet I feel he fails to entertain in the process.