A Passion for Egypt: Arthur Weigall, Tutankhamun and the 'Curse of the Pharaohs' (Tauris Parke Paperbacks)

The biography of Arthur Weigall, the British Egyptologist who was involved in the exploration and conservation of the monuments and antiquities of a region stretching from Luxor to the Sudan border.At a time when Egypt was being ransacked by private collectors and the agents of Western museums, it was said that, without Weigall, much more would have been lost altogether - most notably, the wall paintings in the Tombs of the Nobles. The enthusiasm and energy of the man and of the books and articles he wrote played a large part in popularising Egypt and Egyptology, and in promoting the then radical view that Egypt's antiquities belonged to the Egyptians. When, in 1922, Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered by his old colleague Howard Carter, Weigall came into open conflict with Carter's patron, Lord Carnarvon, for his handling of the question of rights in the tomb, and for his sale of information from it to the London Times. Following Carnarvon's premature death in Egypt, it was Weigall's remarks to the press that led to the notorious story of the'Curse of the Pharaohs': a myth that persists to this day.Weigall had many talents: he also designed theatre scenery, made films and wrote novels. But his real legacy derives from his passion for Egypt, both ancient and modern - a passion that informs the whole of his compelling story. Weigall, A Prominent Egyptalogist, Was Also A Theatre Set Designer And A Film Critic. Part One 1880-1914: 'that Violent Hullabaloo' -- 'select Establishments' -- From Pedigrees To Hieroglyphs -- Egypt 'like A House On Fire' -- Private Idyll; Howard Carter; Public Ideal -- Yuya And Tuya, And Weigall 'bashmufetish' -- The Flooding Of Nubia; The Tombs Of The Nobles -- Another Royal Tomb: Queen Tiy? Akhnaten? -- The Eastern Desert; 'odium Archaeologicum' -- Gaiety; Akhnaten; And Howard Carter Again -- Maspero; The Autocrat Of Thebes; Akhnaten's Curse -- Alan Gardiner At Gurneh; High Life In Luxor -- 'egyptologists Are Themselves ... The Worst Vandals' -- Breakdown; The Bronze; The War For Egypt's Heritage -- Scandal, Schemes, And Egyptology For Egyptians. Part Two 1914-1934: From Egypt To The West End -- Experiments In Theater And Film -- Novelist And Film Critic -- Tut-ankh-carter And Tutcarnarvon -- American Lecture Tour; Carter Again; And Divorce -- Egyptian Chronology; English Monuments -- The Old Brigade Versus The Moderns -- History Again: Beating The Philistines -- Shutting The Door -- Appendix: The Concession Allowing Theodore Davis To Dig In The Valley Of The Kings. Julie Hankey. This compelling biography of Arthur Weigall, the British Egyptologist and Chief Inspector of Antiquities, chronicles his involvement with the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb under Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon. Weigall came into conflict with Carter and Carnarvon over newspaper reporting of the famous find. His remarks to the press during that time led to the infamous story of the ""Curse of the Pharaohs."" This biography brings to life the atmosphere, intrigue, and intense competition in Egypt during the first quarter of the 20th century. Arthur Weigall was Chief Inspector of Antiquities in Upper Egypt in its remarkable Edwardian heyday: a time of spectacular discoveries - most notably the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 - but also one of a glittering European society centred on Luxor. This book presents his life story. British egyptologist Arthur Weigall was involved with the exploration of the antiquities of Luxor - particularly in the Theban necropolis and the Valley of the Kings. This biography, by the granddaughter of Weigall, includes material from previously unseen private sources. 'Death of Mr A. Weigall, Tut-ank Amen Curse Recalled', said the Daily Mail for 3 January 1934, and the rest of the more sensational newspapers printed much the same kind of thing: Arthur Weigall, famous Egyptologist, has died as a result of the curse of Tutankhamun.