Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: January 2004
ISBN: 0671028561
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Paperback
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Genre: Historical Midlist [1828, Egypt]
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Rachel A Hyde
Reviewer Notes:
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Champollion The Egyptian
By Christian Jacq


       Jean-Francois Champollion is famous for being the first decipherer of hieroglyphics. This is the story of his epic trek through Egypt to rescue antiquities for France from their careless and destructive owners. Captaining a team of colorful and shady characters, Champollion falls in love with this ancient land and becomes a part of it to such a degree that he is called "The Egyptian."

       That Jacq is passionate about Egypt and its history is apparent in all his works, but perhaps never quite as much as in this book. Champollion and his team are all larger-than-life characters and enjoy a Mediterranean fervour for life in general, and the mysterious, charismatic country of Egypt in particular. Jacq has a keen eye for describing the sun-bleached ruins and it is hard not to get carried away with it all. As Champollion fights beaurocrats, potentates and villains every step of the way, this tale has more than a touch of Indiana Jones about it, and a seasoning of the supernatural. Sinister figures warning him of dangers appear from behind every column, and at least one member of his party is working against him. All this cloak-and-dagger stuff is entertaining and pacey, but it does tend to detract from the serious intent of the book to introduce the worthy work of the "Father of Egyptology" to a wider audience. I, for one, would have liked a few more facts, as well as the breathless enthusiasm of Champollion for everything he sees. This, notwithstanding, if you like archaeological adventures replete with tomb robbers and skulduggery, this ought to be up your dark alley.