The Unknown Tutankhamun: (Bloomsbury Egyptology)

The reign of Tutankhamun was of major significance in the history of ancient Egypt. Following Howard Carter’s discovery of the king’s tomb in 1922, the story of the boy who became Pharaoh, died young and was buried in splendor at the height of Egyptian civilization captivated generations. But there exists a wide discrepancy between that saga and what scholarship has discovered in the last few decades about Tutankhamun’s reign. A truer story is revealed, not by objects from his tomb, but by statuary, reliefs, paintings, and architecture from outside the Valley of the Kings. Marianne Eaton-Krauss, a leading authority on the boy king and the Amarna Period, guides readers through the recent findings of international research and the relevant documentation from a wide variety of sources, to create an accessible and comprehensive biography. Tracing Tutankhamun’s life from birth to burial, she analyzes his parentage, his childhood as Prince Tutankhaten, his accession and change of name to Tutankhamun, his role in the restoration of the traditional cults and his own building projects, his death and burial, and the attitudes of his immediate successors to his reign. Illustrated with color and black-and-white images, the book includes extensive endnotes and selected bibliography, which will make it essential reading for students and scholars as well as anyone interested in Tutankhamun.

Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction Chapter 1 Prince Tutankhaten Chapter 2 King Tutankhaten Chapter 3 Tutankhamun and the Restoration Chapter 4 Statues for Amun Chapter 5 Tutankhamun’s Building Projects Chapter 6 Tutankhamun’s Funerary Temple, his Tomb and the Sarcophagus found in it Chapter 7 Tutankhamun’s Death and Burial Epilogue Map Chronology Abbreviations Endnotes Selected Bibliography

About the Author :
Marianne Eaton-Krauss is an Egyptologist who has taught at universities in Berlin, Muenster, and Marburg, Germany, and written more than 50 articles about Tutankhamun and the Amarna Period. Her publications on objects from the king’s tomb include, most recently, The Thrones, Chairs, Stools, and Footstools from the Tomb of Tutankhamun (2008).

Review :
Packed with important information and attractively produced ... [This book] is an important critical review of many of the key topics and theories relating to the reign of Tutankhamun, and as such is a 'must have' for anyone with a serious interest in the Amarna Period and its aftermath. A useful discussion of the evidence relating to a pivotal figure in the history of ancient Egypt. [The book offers] careful interpretation of inscriptions and artistic trends. Eaton-Krauss has provided a fine service by gathering together so much information [from foreign-language studies] ... She has produced a book that is extremely fascinating for anyone interested in Tutankhamun and at the same time, with copious notes, providing valuable material for professional Egyptologists. A most welcomed monograph on the reign of king Tutankhaten/Tutankhamun. It provides both professional and general audiences with up-to-date information, detailed discussions that in some points do not lack Eaton-Krauss's necessary criticism, and well organised chapters. This work challenges deeply-ingrained associations of wealth, mystery and curses with the king by providing readers with a study of his parentage, childhood, accession, architectural and sculptural projects. As a leading expert on the monuments, texts, and images relating to Tutankhamun, Marianne Eaton-Krauss has provided a fascinating account of the young king’s reign that is both engaging and scholarly. Drawing on a wide range of material known only to specialists, the author goes far beyond the endlessly repeated and often sensationalised narratives about the young king and the discovery of his tomb to truly tell the story of the unknown Tutankhamun. Dr Eaton-Krauss’s thoroughly researched book restores ‘King Tut’ to his true historical significance. It presents a complete picture of a fascinating personality which intrigues as well as charms. Young Tutankhamun was on the Egyptian throne during an exciting period when the country was recovering from the effects of a profound political, economic and ideological revolution instigated by the ‘heretic’ king Akhenaten. Tutankhamun’s childhood and the ‘restoration period’ during which he reigned are described and analysed. The King’s extensive building activities and the intensive production of sculptures of the traditional deities are discussed in detail. His premature death and the difficulties accompanying the preparation of his burial are explained. This is a book which will satisfy specialists as well as amateurs. Marianne Eaton-Krauss has been recognized as a scholar of Tutankhamun and a truth-teller for decades. When she applies her careful and incisive powers of reason to the hundreds of recently published books and articles on this king, the reader learns what is what, without the drama so frequently draped over everything Tutankhamun.