Chasing Hieroglyphs

Two years after cracking the hieroglyphic code through the word ’Ramses’ on the Rosetta Stone, Jean-François Champollion embarked on an expedition to Egypt on 31 July 1828. France was at war with the sultan and a pandemic gripped the world. In these diaries and letters to his brother, Champollion captures in riveting detail the voyage’s obstacles as he unravels ancient Egypt’s civilisation.Jean-François Champollion died as a result of going to Egypt (like more than a third of his companions) on 4 March 1832, aged 41-at the height of his success. Professor Joyce Tyldesley is Professor of Egyptology at the University of Manchester and a writer and broadcaster.’For the first time in English.... On almost every page, he records his amazement at what he saw.’Professor John Ray, The Times’His enthusiasm is infectious: here is someone whose lifelong wish is coming true.’Sunday Times’Burn with the passion that he dedicated his life to.’ Guardian’[V]ivid, penetrating and often entertaining descriptions.’Times Higher Education Supplement’A wealth of observation.’Egyptian Archaeology’Ebullient.’History Today