Nina Burleigh 2007 Napoleon's Scientists and the Unveiling of Egypt. Harper Collins New York.
A popular and very readable account of the 1798 adventure by Napoleon to deny Egypt to the British. Hundreds of scholars and students accompanied the expeditions and were feted but eventually abandoned by Napoleon. Denon wrote an account of travels in upper and lower Egypt which was rapidly translated into English but the main output was the massive Description of Egypt published in several parts, initially under the authority of Napoleon, but after he was deposed under that of the restored monarch - this despite many of the scholars being treated abominably under the new regime. The book was one foundation of the incorporation of ancient Egyptian design elements into Empire Style. The Taschen edition (1990) is probably the most accessible, but it is also online. Along with many of the army, a sizeable proportion of the scholars were never to leave Egypt, dying there, many of the plague.
The early contribution of engineers the Egyptology was a surprise. A military engineer recognised the importance of the Rosetta Stone when it was found in work to strengthen a fortification. The records made of the monuments of Egypt were made the engineers, those best skilled to make measured drawings. It was unfortunate the standards they started did not persist in the rest of the century - justifiably called the rape of Egypt.
So you think the Rosetta Stone is black? After it was found it had ink applied to the surface and it was used directly for taking paper copies. Over the years many more materials were added to the surface. The grano-diorite has recently been cleaned British Museum page - it turns out to be pinkish grey with a pink strip. Photo after cleaning.
A popular and very readable account of the 1798 adventure by Napoleon to deny Egypt to the British. Hundreds of scholars and students accompanied the expeditions and were feted but eventually abandoned by Napoleon. Denon wrote an account of travels in upper and lower Egypt which was rapidly translated into English but the main output was the massive Description of Egypt published in several parts, initially under the authority of Napoleon, but after he was deposed under that of the restored monarch - this despite many of the scholars being treated abominably under the new regime. The book was one foundation of the incorporation of ancient Egyptian design elements into Empire Style. The Taschen edition (1990) is probably the most accessible, but it is also online. Along with many of the army, a sizeable proportion of the scholars were never to leave Egypt, dying there, many of the plague.
The early contribution of engineers the Egyptology was a surprise. A military engineer recognised the importance of the Rosetta Stone when it was found in work to strengthen a fortification. The records made of the monuments of Egypt were made the engineers, those best skilled to make measured drawings. It was unfortunate the standards they started did not persist in the rest of the century - justifiably called the rape of Egypt.
So you think the Rosetta Stone is black? After it was found it had ink applied to the surface and it was used directly for taking paper copies. Over the years many more materials were added to the surface. The grano-diorite has recently been cleaned British Museum page - it turns out to be pinkish grey with a pink strip. Photo after cleaning.
