Customer Reviews

Tutankhamun: The Mystery of the Boy King (Crossroads America)

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"Tutankhamun: The Mystery of the Boy King" is a children's book (ages 9-14) written by Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass who has written numerous books including the massive pictorial Valley of the Golden Mummies. It is a nice intro to King Tut that covers briefly Tut's ancestors Amenhotep III and Amenhotep IV, how Tut lived based on evidence in his tomb, what was found in his tomb, and a recent study to determine what may have caused his death.

I like how Hawass begins his book with Howard Carter's discovery and how this story inspired Hawass to pursue Egyptian archaeology. Such a story may inspire kids to be motivated rather than just awed by things that intrigue them. Hawass includes info on how Tut lived (i.e. outdoor activities, favorite foods, military training, clothing, etc.) which would interest kids. Sometimes his speculations are a little much: "Tutankhamun and Ankhsenamun would have lived a life of luxury, and I believe that they loved each other very much" (pg. 33), or "I think that the king and queen must have been very sad when they lost their babies" (pg. 39). Sappy, but all right for a children's book, I guess. I found the info on the different gods a little confusing, especially when the author contradicts himself stating, on one page, that Amun was the most important god (pg. 22) and then, five pages later, that Aten was the most important (pg. 27). He also does not explain a photo showing that a section of Tut's tomb was robbed on page 18 until the very end of the book.

The most intriguing chapter of this book concerns a recent CAT scan done on Tut in January 2005. The results refute renown Egyptologist Bob Brier's theory that Tut was struck in the head and killed by his successor Ay (pg. 50). I was considering purchasing Brier's book "The Murder of Tutankhamun," as I enjoyed his long television documentary on mummies a few years back, but this children's book convinced me to spend my money on something else.

The book includes a timeline, short list of books for further reading with brief descriptions and age recommendations, and lots of full color photos including a stunning full-page photo of the gilded throne with King Tut and his Queen inlaid in semiprecious stones (pg. 34). The book is 64 pages.

Not only is this book packed with color photographs, but it is also very well written for younger people with an interest in Egypt. Zahi Hawass is the Director of Excavations at the Giza pyramids and the Valley of the Golden Mummies, so he is an expert in the field, and this book includes a lot of science, including CT-scans of Tut's mummy.

It deals with the mystery of Tutankhamun's death, it works as a biography of Tut's life, and it whets your appetite for the science of excavation and preservation.. Top-notch.

Of course I haven't been allowed to more than gaze at the cover but my son, age 17 and Dr Awass' best fan tells me it is absolutely fantastic :)

The book is well written, and a very nice read,
Dr. hawass has complete knowledge of Tutankhamun, and presents this knowledge in a
well formed manner.