Gary F. (garythefowler) reviewed on 12/14/2013 + 65 more book reviews

Very good! A fuller account of Chamopollion's life and work than I've encountered before--though of course I know that extensive biographies are out there. This one is very accessible, intertwining his personal life, political turnmoil in France and Egypt, scholastic rivalries, and more: It becomes increasingly clear how amazing his success was in the context of all the rest. The "hows" of hieroglyphics and other related systems are clear and fascinating; ancient Egyptian history covered well, too. Good index, and a good current bibliography "Further Reading." High on the list anyone who reads biography, ancient or modern history, linguistics... actually, maybe drama and psychology, too.

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