Customer Reviews

Tutankhamun's Tomb: The Thrill of Discovery: Photographs by Harry Burton (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

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If you thought you'd seen everything there was to see about the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, you were wrong! This amazing book is an invaluable addition to the Tut library. I picked up a copy of the book while visiting the Metropolitan Museum, and I can't recommend this book highly enough. The original excavation photos are beautiful and truly give you a sense of what it must have been like to witness the discovery of the tomb. From photos of the landscape in the Valley of the Kings (setting the geographic scene), to photos of the excavators working on the tomb through to object photos, the entire story of the discovery of the tomb is illustrated. Despite their age, the photos are vivid and gorgeous and bring the discovery to life. The accompanying text is kept to a minimum -- narrating the story nicely, but allowing the photos and objects to speak for themselves. (Longer photo captions at the end of the book accompany thumbnail photos, giving more detailed information about each photography.) This book will make a welcome addition to the library of anyone who loves ancient Egypt, a beautiful coffee table book, a nice backdrop or preparation for the King Tut show that's touring, or a lovely gift for anyone interested in Egypt or archaeology.

everything from the size of this book to the image on its dust jacket is lovely. the book says that harry burton, the man who visually documented the clearance/excavation of kv 62, took some 1,400 images of the tomb's 5,400 objects; the book contains but 78 of these images. there is no substantive exploration of how the man worked but it's a coffee table book, not a bio. the images are vivid and give context and meaning to the find, and mr. burton's photos of the artifacts, particularly those of the metalwork, capture with brilliant clarity the unparalleled craftsmanship, skill, and design sensibility of the ancient egyptian artisans of the 18th dynasty; as his legacy shows, mr. burton surely related to them now and then.

This is a superb book. The original black & white photographs taken in the tomb by a master photographer are wonderful. I just wish there had been more.

Brings the thrill of Howard Carter's discovery to life!Highly recommend this beautiful book. However don't put too much stock in the written explanations. Does not agree with Carter's own journal which I read.

I saw the first King Tut exhibit and I saw the second one a couple of years ago and I have always enjoyed the photos that Burton took on site. However, I was surprised and thrilled when I first saw this book and I had to have it. I don't know which I enjoy more, Burton's photographic art or the subject matter shown. As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate the photographic process and art more and more. This book is amazing. The photographs themselves and quality of the printing are stunning.

I absolutely recommend this book. it's incredible to see all those photos taken when the tomb was opened. The photos are large and clear. This is by far my favorite book about Tutankhamun's tomb and treasure. GREAT.

Excellent book of an amazing exhibit. If you missed it, get this book. If you saw it, get this book to remind you of how magnificent these photographs really are.