Overview

A monument older than London itself stands sentinel on the Thames: Cleopatra's Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk whose journey and secrets have captivated generations. In this masterful historical nonfiction book, James King unravels the fascinating saga of the London obelisk, blending rigorous research with an eye for the human stories behind stone and symbol. Every chisel mark, every enigmatic hieroglyphic, is explored-illuminating not just the artefact's origins in ancient Egypt, but its extraordinary passage to Victorian England. King's analysis moves beyond architecture to decode the hieroglyphics, drawing compelling comparisons with the Rosetta Stone and offering readers a rare window into the language and beliefs of a vanished civilisation. The book is both an engrossing egyptian history book and an essential obelisk architecture study, revealing how Cleopatra's Needle became a touchstone for 19th century London's fascination with ancient Egyptian artifacts. For history enthusiasts, it is a gift of insight; for scholars, an academic research resource with lasting value. Republished by Alpha Editions in a careful modern edition, this volume preserves the spirit of the original while making it effortless to enjoy today - a heritage title prepared for readers and collectors alike. Cleopatra's Needle: A History of the London Obelisk stands as both a collector's gem and a cultural bridge, inviting all who are drawn to the mysteries and marvels of the ancient world.

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