A Passion for Egypt: Arthur Weigall, Tutankhamun and the Curse of the Pharaohs - Tapa dura

'...not only a good read; it provides a palatable introduction to Egyptian history and cuture, as well as much food for thought for 'those who know the subject'... All in all, this is the best life-story of an egyptologist for many years - though it's hard to imagine who could have been a more likeable subject than Arthur Weigall." -- Dominic Montserrat, Egyptian Archaeology 'The book opens a door on a world that is now part of history and reveals one of the more fascinating, if minor, actors on the great stage of British Imperial history.' -Contemporary Review "Arthur Weigall was truly a pioneer and man of vision before his time in much that he advocated: his memory is well served in this delightful and informative biography." -- Peter A. Clayton, Minerva March/April 2002 [Weigall's life and work] have now been given a treatment that is hard to fault, a must for anyone with an interest in the history of Egyptology -or even just a fascinating life.' -- KMT: A Modern Journal of Ancient Egypt, 4th December 2005 '...Hankey's sympathetic but not uncritical book takes its place as an extremely vivid recreation of a part of the history of Egyptology.' -- Miriam Bibby, Ancient Egypt Magazine, Sept/Oct 2002 '...the charm and intimacy of this biography deserve an audience beyond Egyptological circles.' Ralph Amelan, Jerusalem Post, 30th August 2002 '...the varid aspects of a complex man are brought together, and the result is eloquent and altogether benign.' John Ray, Times Literary Supplement, 21st February 2003

The first quarter of the twentieth century witnessed many spectacular archaeological discoveries in Egypt, with that of Tutankhamun the most sensational. During this period Arthur Weigall, the British Egyptologist, was involved with the exploration of the antiquities of Luxor - particularly in the Tombs of the Nobles and the Valley of the Kings. His enthusiasm and energy played a large part in popularising ancient Egypt at a time when Luxor was becoming a fashionable winter resort for the elite of Europe and the USA. As Chief Inspector of Antiquities, Weigall played host to visiting royalty and aristocracy as they converged on Egypt in the years leading up to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb under Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon - with whom he came into conflict over newspaper reporting of the find. Following Carnarvon's premature death in Egypt it was Weigall's remarks to the press that led to the infamous story of the 'Curse of the Pharaohs': a myth that persists to this day. However, Weigall's real legacy derives from his great passion for Egypt - both ancient and modern - that is the constant theme of this compelling biography.