The Earl and the Pharaoh: From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 was the most astonishing archaeological find of the century, revealing thousands of finely crafted objects and enhancing the world's understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter were responsible for the discovery, and Carnarvon's life, money, and sudden death became front-page news. His beloved home, Highclere Castle, is now best-known as the set of Downton Abbey.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of ancient secrets, untold riches, and remarkable ambitions in this extraordinary new biography. Between the autumn of 1922 and the spring of 1923, a door to the ancient Egyptian world was unlocked, heralding the most astonishing archaeological discovery of the century. The tomb of Tutankhamun, the young pharaoh, would unveil not only the preserved remains of the boy king but also an abundance of finely crafted objects, ranging from the iconic gold mask and coffins to a dagger crafted from meteorite, exquisite chalices, magnificent furniture, and even 3000-year-old food and wine. The world's understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilization was profoundly enriched, and the sheer quantity and richness of the artifacts within the tomb continue to be studied and analyzed today.

Two remarkable individuals played pivotal roles in the discovery of this extraordinary tomb: Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter. Lord Carnarvon held the concession to excavate, and it was his unwavering passion and financial prowess that ultimately enabled the discovery to take place. His remarkable life, wealth, and untimely demise became global headlines after the tomb's discovery, perpetuating the enduring rumors of the "curse of the pharaohs."

The Earl and the Pharaoh delves into the captivating story of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Carnarvon's life, wealth, and sudden demise captivated the world's attention, fueling ongoing speculations about the "curse of the pharaohs." His beloved home, Highclere Castle, is now renowned as the iconic setting of Downton Abbey. Through the exploration of Highclere Castle's never-before-plumbed archives, bestselling author Fiona, the Countess of Carnarvon, charts the intricate twists of fate and tragedies that shaped Carnarvon's life. Carnarvon's restless and inquisitive mind drove him to embark on journeys, seeking escape from the conventional societal norms of Edwardian Britain.

This captivating biography offers a deep dive into the world of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, shedding light on his remarkable life, his enduring legacy, and the enduring fascination with the ancient Egyptian civilization he helped uncover.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008531775