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informative sub-section on writing a history of the discipline, in which the author outlines his own theoretical approach and the necessary steps to ensure a more accurate and historically unbiased interpretation of events. By focusing on a cultural history of Egyptology in Britain between 1822 and 1922 this study stands out significantly from its contemporaries. A century framed by the decipherment of hieroglyphs and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, Gange demonstrates how it was in the ‘decades of debate’ between these two events that the ‘imagery of ancient Egypt was developed and redeveloped, and the forms and purposes of Near Eastern archaeology were built and extensively rebuilt’. This was a century of intrinsic value to the development of Egyptology, both as an academic discipline and within the popular imagination, and the alternative perspective provided by this study makes it a valuable addition to existing publications on the subject by Elliot Colla (Conflicted Antiquities, 2007) and Donald Malcolm Reid (Whose Pharaohs?, 2003). It is, however, in the discussion of Egyptology and religion that Dialogues with the Dead will be valued most as a resource. As one of the first publications to analyse this dynamic and
ARCHAEOLOGY
often turbulent relationship in such depth, Gange’s study highlights how Christianity was integral to the development of Egyptology’s disciplinary identity in the West. He offers an insightful account of how Egypt’s status as a Bible land influenced the choice of sites for excavation, encouraged technical advancement in the field, and created common ground on which academics and the public could engage with Egypt. Interestingly, the discussion also extends to the impact of alternative spiritualities and rising secularisation. Dialogues with the Dead must be praised for promoting an inclusive and integrated history of British Egyptology. While many publications have approached the history of scholarly and public interests in ancient Egypt as separate entities, Gange acknowledges them as interdependent and equally influential. By exploring the shifting authority in the study of ancient Egypt from theology to archaeology this book addresses the changing and adaptive nature of public engagement, from church sermons and Sunday schools, to archaeological organisations, excavation reports, and the media, that still holds great relevance today. David Gange’s study certainly does justice to the complexity of the period and the rapid evolution of British Egyptology during this time. Some readers may be left wanting more detail in areas or a more formulaic approach to chapters; for example, while the subject of representation in art and display is discussed for one period it is mentioned only sporadically, if at all, for others. However, what this book provides is much-needed historical context through a diverse and completely unique analysis of the period. It is an academic study that presents meticulous research in an accessible and engaging style, contributing many fresh and new insights to the subject as well as an extensive list of references and archival sources. In building much of his narrative around key figures, and ‘Egyptology popularizers’, Gange also documents a valuable network of individuals, societies, and academic communities with an interest and investment in ancient Egypt. As such, this study is essential reading for historians of the nineteenth century, as well as those with an interest in the history of Egyptology and Near Eastern archaeology, archaeological reception and representation. ALICE WILLIAMS
Bob Brier, Egyptomania: Our Three Thousand Year Obsession with the Land of the Pharaohs. Palgrave Macmillan, 2013 (ISBN 978 1 137 27860 9). Price: £17.99. Ancient Egypt has a ‘brand recognition’ almost unique among civilisations: even the most unhistoricallyminded can usually spot something Egyptian or attempting to be Egyptian. This has led, on various occasions, to Egyptian motifs coming into vogue and being used in a wide variety of ways - some tasteful; some distinctly tasteless. It is this phenomenon - generally known as ‘Egyptomania’ - that Brier’s book promises to chronicle in its jacket ‘blurb’. After an introduction by the former Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, Brier opens the book with an account of how he and his wife came to build up their collection – including their purchase of the letters of the engineer Waynman Dixon, who not only excavated in Egypt, but played a key role in the transport of Cleopatra’s Needle to the UK, and also of how they acquired a trunk of papers of Lady Amherst, whose family were early patrons of Howard Carter. He then briefly considers the impact of Egypt on her ancient Greek and Roman occupiers, in particular the popularity of the cult of Isis in the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s tour, his collections and the deification of Antinous, mummy portraits and the Mensa Isiaca – a first century AD Roman piece probably linked with the Isis cult that had a major impact on proto-Egyptology. The author then rapidly moves on to a long account of the moving of the St Peter’s obelisk by Domenico Fontana in 1586. While interesting, it is only tangentially relevant to the book’s topic, particularly as there is no mention of the re-erection (158590) of three other obelisks by Pope Sixtus V - Lateran, Esquiline and Popolo - which would have been more apposite to the subject of the book. The next chapter shifts directly to Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian expedition, telling the well-worn story, ending it with a section on the Sèvres Egyptian dinner service. Continuing the French theme, the following chapter deals with the French acquisition of the Luxor Obelisk before jumping ahead to the digging of the Suez Canal and some general observations on French pre-eminence in Egyptomania during the first half of the nineteenth century. An obelisk provides
A Good Scribe and an Exceedingly Wise Man. Studies in Honour of W.J. Tait Edited by A.M. Dodson, J.J. Johnston and W.M. Monkhouse A tribute to the career of the Egypt Exploration Society’s Vice-President and former Vice-Chairman. A volume of essays honouring the ongoing career of Professor John Tait, Emeritus Edwards Professor of Egyptology at University College London, and Vice-President of the Egypt Exploration Society, by his friends, colleagues and students. Subjects covered range from Middle Kingdom tomb-furnishings, through texts in a range of ancient languages, to modern biography, reflecting the wide range of interests of Professor Tait. A4. 348 pages. ISBN: 978-1-906137-33-5
Price: £60
Special offer price to EES Members (valid only for orders received before 30 April 2014): £55 (incl. postage to UK), £52 if purchased in person at the EES London Office. Quote ‘EA offer’ when ordering: Golden House Publications, PO Box 51920, London SW9 0YW or online: www.goldenhp.co.uk/
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