In Search of Tutankhamun : The discovery of a king's tomb [Hardcover]

Giovanni Caselli (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: In Search of

The ancient Egyptians built magnificent tombs for their pharaohs in the dry sand of the Valley of the Kings. By the early 20th century, 61 had been discovered, but Howard Carter was determined to find the tomb of Tutankhamun, a boy king who came to the throne aged 9, in 1333 B.C. In 1922, Carter uncovered some steps in the sand that led down to a sealed door. An unimaginable store of Egyptian treasures was about to be revealed. This book tells the story of Carter's discoverey. Superb illustrations invite the reader to share his excitement at the wondrous treasures he found, and through them to learn about everyday life in Tutankhamun's life.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-These two titles are attractively illustrated and thoughtfully arranged. Each book features the now-standard two-page layout with short "main" text and multiple illustrations with explanatory captions, some of which are almost as long as the central text. Troy moves from Heinrich Schliemann's fascination with Homer, to his determination to find the site of Troy, to its discovery and excavation, and finally to an investigation of life in the ancient city and the Greek legends connected with it. Tutankhamun follows Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of the "boy-king," as well as the wealth of material found there, and then surveys Tut's life. In texts so short, there are almost bound to be oversimplifications. Troy assumes that the connection between Greek myth and history is more firmly settled than it is, referring, for example, to the treasure, city and palace of King Priam as though there were no doubt of such identifications. Only later are readers told that Priam's existence has not been established. Tut accepts Akhenaten's paternity as a given-though it is not. Even so, the titles are generally solid and are impressively illustrated. The layout for the chapter "Tutankhamun's Tomb" is especially good, depicting the plan of the tomb, a cut-through illustration of the jumbled contents, and a "flattened" sketching of the wall paintings in the burial chamber. While not essential purchases, these offerings will be welcome where more material on ancient history is needed.
Coop Renner, Moreno Elementary School, El Paso, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Brighter Child (February 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872265439
• ISBN-13: 978-0872265431
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,549,302 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #63 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Antiques & Collectibles

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative and fascinating, April 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: In Search of Tutankhamun : The discovery of a king's tomb (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my 12 year old son when he wanted to make a Halloween costume based on Egyptian themes. It was so informative and interesting, with helpful (and educational) illustrations. We both enjoyed the book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting beginner's book, May 4, 2000

By 

Lesley West (St James, Western Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Search of Tutankhamun : The discovery of a king's tomb (Hardcover)

This is a fine book for an older child who is discovering the joys of archaeology and the most famous find of all. It is though a little sketchy in its narrative, and considering the great wealth of materials from the tomb, it could certainly have lots more pictures of the artefacts.

However, it is a fasinating enough topic in itself, and would keep most younger readers amused for some time - especially young boys who sometimes scorn fiction. Here is a real life tale which outshines most made up stories!

5.0 out of 5 stars Egyptian Informational Book circling in on Tutenkhamen, March 20, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: In Search of Tutankhamun : The discovery of a king's tomb (Hardcover)

This book effectively exhibits all aspects of Ancient Egyptian life by focusing on Tutenkhamen, a particularily interesting Pharaoh with a mystery behind him. This book is easy to understand and read, and is great both for pleasure info and research projects.