CURSE OF THE PHARAOHS

A chatty tour through archaeological Egypt seeks to debunk legends of curses and refocus attention onto the culture and artifacts themselves. The head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, author Hawass draws generously from his own experience, and what an experience it has been. From being on the scene of exciting discoveries to thwarting robbers, his career has taken him all over Egypt, and in somewhat rambling fashion, he communicates his passion and deep respect for his subject and his disdain for specious curses. Magnificent photographs, some taking up entire double-page spreads, illustrate the text. The narrative’s strength—its chattiness—is also its weakness, as Hawass moves seemingly at random across time and geography, hamstringing any real hope of coherent organization. Still, the subject is of such coolness, and the author’s enthusiasm so infectious, that this offering will find a ready readership. Back matter includes tips on becoming an archaeologist, a timeline, how a mummy was made, a primer on the Egyptian pantheon, a glossary, bibliography, and an index. (Nonfiction. 9-15)