Tutankhamun's Trumpet: Ancient Egypt in 100 Objects from the Boy-King's Tomb

I had not initially been interested in reading this book, despite the excellent reviews in the national press. The idea of 100 objects being described had seemed derivative and a little dull, but on looking at a copy of the book itself it became clear that the objects are just a jumping-off point for a lively, discursive account of ancient Egyptian civilisation. I had read a fair amount on ancient Egypt, and returned a few months ago from an intensive tour of the sites, and this book helped to provide a unifying overview of the culture and how it evolved from its very beginnings through to its close, as well as its ongoing legacy.I had read the other reviews before buying the book and looked out for the anglocentric perspective claimed by another reviewer. Potential purchasers can be reassured that this really is not present. The Tutankhamun dig was funded and carried out by British nationals, at a time when Britain had a significant present in Egypt. The author Toby Wilkinson is also British. But Britain does not feature disproportionately: there is barely a reference to anything British in the main part of the book, while the end chapter on ancient Egypt's legacy gives appropriate weight to France and the US, as well as the UK. This claim can be discounted, as can the view of it being a dry account - I found it very engaging.

This is a very detailed non-linear description of Egypt’s ancient history. It claims to be achieved via the items found in the child king’s tomb, but it really isn’t. There are references to those items, but it a secondary part of the story.The writing is dry, and really seemingly lacking in enthusiasm for the subject. There are some great sections with engaging stories behind particular parts of Egypt’s history, but they don’t comprise the majority of the book.The author has a VERY colonial, British view and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing in terms of the stories being told, but you do get the feeling that this is a very particular view of history with little thought to a more local view of events. However, if a British-first approach is what you want then this book will be ideal.So, a probably quite worthy, uphill read from a very British perspective.

I wish there was a version of this excellent book that included dozens or even hundreds of illustrations. It would be worth the extra cost. Using Neil MacGregor's model of telling a story through 100 objects Toby Winkinson illustrates how the objects found in Tutanhhamun's tomb tell us so much about Ancient Eqyptian hisory and society.The book has some lavish illustrations but they are hidden in two places and do not really illustrate the text.I wish I had read this book before I visited the Nile as it paints a story that does not lose one in definitions of Kingdoms and dynastys. Having read this excellent book I felt I knew and understood much more.

The book was bought as a birthday gift for my brotherHe is very interested in Tuankhamun and requested it as a birthday present From what he tells me he has enjoyed the book and it has come up to his expectationsHope this is of value to future buyers

Very interesting and a good read