Hidden Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Unearthing the Masterpieces of the Egyptian History

Forgotten artifacts unearthed from the basement of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo or reclaimed from dusty warehouses for the institution's centennial exhibit ""Hidden Treasures"" join key pieces from the permanent collection to form the foundation of this sumptuous tour of the archeological history of Egypt. Aided by Kenneth Garrett's adept photography, Hawass, an Egyptologist and head of the country's antiquities council, narrates the past 150 years of excavation, from the colonial period-when Westerners overwhelmed the ranks of those recovering the nation's treasures-through Egypt's independence and the present era of international cooperation. A last section explains current discoveries driving the field as well as Hawass' efforts to preserve ancient sites and increase Egyptians' knowledge of and access to their heritage. This breathtaking glimpse at the country's archeological wealth should excite curious and adventurous minds worldwide. 120 color photographs.