Mummies in Nineteenth Century America: Ancient Egyptian as Artifacts [Paperback]

S. J. Wolfe (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786439416 | ISBN-13: 978-0786439416 | Publication Date: October 14, 2009

This work examines Egyptian mummies as artifacts in pre-1900 America--how they got here, what happened to them afterwards, and how they were perceived by the public and archaeologists. Collected newspaper accounts and other documents reveal the progression of American interest in mummies as curiosities, commodities, and cultural lessons. Numerous mummies which no longer exist are identified, and commentary on mummy coffins and discussion of methods of public exhibition are included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

All I can say is, WOW!! The amount of ... exacting research, that went into the creation of this book is astounding. Reviewed by Cassandra Vivian. --Egyptologists' Electronic Forum (June 14, 2010)

"[The] research that went into the creation of this book is astounding ... a must for all those who would like to know ... how the fascination with these relics began." --David Moyer KMT; A Modern Journal of Ancient Egypt 21:3 (Fall 2010)

What is almost as good as seeing an ancient Egyptian mummy in an American museum? This book. The ransacking of ancient Egyptians - and their antiquities - was shameful, but it makes for great reading. ... Mummies in 19th-Century America is both a delightful read and a priceless resource ... . Christine Quigley, reviewer. --Fortean times no. 258 (Feb. 2010) (added by author)

Wolfe and Singerman have carefully noted every mention of mummies they could get their hands on and, like good detectives, have traced their trail to determine their ultimate fates. ... The story they tell is intriguing in its own right and, by including long (often complete) documents rather than summarizing them, they also provide what could easily be a case book that could be used with students to undertake other types of research. ... Mummies in Nineteenth Century America will send a shudder down your spine as you consider the amount of knowledge that literally went up in smoke before the AIA.

Robert E. Weir --NEPCA Journal (Friday, December 4, 2009) (added by author)

About the Author

S.J. Wolfe is a senior cataloger and serials specialist at the American Antiquarian Society. Over the past 20 years, she has been lecturing on ancient Egyptian culture and presenting mummy research at conferences such as the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading and Publishing and New England Historical Association. She lives in Worcester, Massachusetts. Robert Singerman lives in Gainesville, Florida.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (October 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786439416
• ISBN-13: 978-0786439416
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #455,575 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)