The Valley of the Kings (Digging for the Past) [Hardcover]

Stuart Tyson Smith (Author), Nancy Stone Bernard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 6, 2003 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Digging for the Past

Delving into one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, The Valley of the Kings is a fascinating account of the modern discovery of Egyptian tombs. Stuart Tyson Smith and Nancy Stone Bernard provide a history of excavation in Egypt, an analysis of its findings, and discuss the preservation challenges scientists and archaeologists face today. Filled with stunning artifacts and pictures of archaeologists at work -- from 80 years ago when Howard Carter first looked into King Tut's tomb to the recent excavation by Kent Weeks's team of KV5 -- Valley of the Kings brings to life the experience of sifting through rubble and suddenly finding unimaginable treasures that reveal how an ancient people lived. An interview with Stuart Tyson Smith, who worked on the massive Theban Mapping Project -- a ten-year endeavor to document the tombs -- and was a consultant for the movies Stargate, The Mummy, and The Mummy Returns, is a first-person story of what it's like to be an archaeologist and what he has to tell young people interested in archaeology as a career.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-A fascinating chronology of the discoveries and explorations-by professionals and amateurs-of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The first two chapters look at earlier organized projects beginning with Napoleon's French Expedition and the discovery of the Rosetta Stone up to the early 20th century. Next, the text is devoted to Howard Carter's famous discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Following this is a chapter discussing on-going work on a "missing" tomb, KV5, by Kent Weeks and his team. In addition to providing this informative history, the authors also give insight into the politics and personalities of the various projects involved in archaeological work in the Valley. The final chapter tells of the discoveries of caches of mummies removed from their tombs by ancient officials as well as thieves looking for loot, and how scientists are using modern research methods and DNA to identify remains, prove family relationships, health problems, and causes of death. The easy-to-read text is enhanced by good-quality, color photographs of artifacts, period photographs, reproductions of artwork, and maps. An interview between the authors discusses Smith's archaeological career and Egyptology consultant work on several movies, which should interest young readers. Unfortunately, most of the titles recommended for further reading are for adults. Melvin and Gilda Berger's Mummies of the Pharaohs (National Geographic, 2001) has spectacular photographs but lacks much of the detail found in this new title.
Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This book sets a benchmark for quality nonfiction....Pairing an archaeologist with a science writer has produced a strong text....Students will be particularly intrigued with the interview that discusses Smith's initial interest in archaeology in the fifth grade, as well as his work with such contemporary movies as The Mummy and The Mummy Returns....A surefire winner. Highly recommended." --Library Media Connection

"The text is fascinating while being literate and easy to undertand. The illustrations include photographs that have not been used in other books on the topic....A good addition to any library. Although the book is intended for readers in junior high and high school, adults will enjoy it as well." --Catholic Library World

"This account of the archaeological exploration of Egypt's Valley of the Kings includes the discoveries of 19th-century circus strongman-turned-archaeologist Giovanni Belzoni and Howard Carter's sensational uncovering of King Tuthankhamun's tomb in the 1920s. Photographs of stunning artifacts and creepy, desiccated pharaohs will surely fascinate elementary school readers." --Odyssey

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 6, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195147707
• ISBN-13: 978-0195147704
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,215,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Update On Egyptology, February 5, 2003

By 

K. A. Kolbert "kkolbert" (Santa Fe,, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Valley of the Kings (Digging for the Past) (Hardcover)

As I began reading The Valley of the Kings I realized how much new information there is today since I last read any work about Egypt. I found myself not only learning about new discoveries but also renewing my acquaintance with Carter, Lord Carnavon and other lesser known explorers.

Smith and Bernard make Egyptology fascinating and acessible to both the younger and more adult readers. I highly recommend this book to both the avid fans of tombs and mummies and novices who are just being introduced to Egypt and its wonders.