Publishers Weekly
Written by a lifelong Egyptologist, Curse of the Pharaohs: My Adventures with Mummies by Zahi Hawass delineates and attempts to debunk the alleged curses attached to the entering of the pharaohs' tombs. Hawass has had mysterious experiences of his own, in connection with their excavation-the deaths of three of his relatives each coincided with his transporting artifacts from tombs to a museum. Still, he claims, "The dearest wish of the ancient Egyptian was to have his or her name live forever. Tutankhamun... would likely be grateful rather than angry that his tomb was discovered." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-Some children will already be familiar with the work of this Egyptian archaeologist from TV documentaries about his excavations along the Nile. Hawass is passionate about this work and effectively relates his enthusiasm for it in this first-person account that has the same immediacy as the televised specials. The history of the mummy's curse becomes the frame of his narrative, but the author is at his best when describing his excavations, their inherent dangers (ancient germs, crumbling rock, snakes), and the excitement of discovery. His stories of grave robbers caught millennium ago, and documented in papyrus texts, are fascinating. He also discusses his recent excavations at Giza and his discovery of multichambered tombs at Bahariya Oasis that contain hundreds of mummies. After providing readers with some history of the many myths and legends surrounding the "curse," which he attributes to novelists and "silly" Hollywood movies, he adds a few of his own stories and experiences with the "magic" of the tombs. The full-color photos are superb; they include clear close-up shots of mummies, statues, artifacts, sites, and a number of the scientist at work. There are also a few helpful cutaway diagrams. Appendixes provide tips for kids thinking about a future in archaeology, information on mummification, and useful glossaries. While the exciting title and cover will draw young readers in, it's Hawass's passion, storytellling skills, and the terrific illustrations that will keep them reading.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
A chatty tour through archaeological Egypt seeks to debunk legends of curses and refocus attention onto the culture and artifacts themselves. The head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, author Hawass draws generously from his own experience, and what an experience it has been. From being on the scene of exciting discoveries to thwarting robbers, his career has taken him all over Egypt, and in somewhat rambling fashion, he communicates his passion and deep respect for his subject and his disdain for specious curses. Magnificent photographs, some taking up entire double-page spreads, illustrate the text. The narrative's strength-its chattiness-is also its weakness, as Hawass moves seemingly at random across time and geography, hamstringing any real hope of coherent organization. Still, the subject is of such coolness, and the author's enthusiasm so infectious, that this offering will find a ready readership. Back matter includes tips on becoming an archaeologist, a timeline, how a mummy was made, a primer on the Egyptian pantheon, a glossary, bibliography, and an index. (Nonfiction. 9-15)
