  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 07/01/2018 The lure of treasure hunting got its hooks into Howard Carter at a young age, as did the undeniable appeal of ancient mummies. It seems inevitable, therefore, that he would become an Egyptologist, though no one could have predicted he’d make one of archaeology’s greatest discoveries: the tomb of Tutankhamun. Fern and Kulikov (Barnum’s Bones?, 2012) unearth another of history’s monumental finds in their picturesque biography of Carter, following him from his first job copying art at Egyptian digs to his systematic studies of archaeological methods and ancient Egypt, which led to his career as a skilled excavator. Though Carter’s talent and ambition cannot be denied, Fern has no qualms about highlighting his gloomy disposition and somewhat disagreeable character, frequently pointing out his being “in a funk.” Thankfully this didn’t dissuade Lord Porchester (aka Lord Carnarvon) from hiring Carter, whose 1922 discovery has never been matched. Kulikov’s beautiful artwork reflects the richness of both desert and tomb, and creative page layouts draw the eye. An arresting addition to the trove of Tut tomes. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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