Description
Through Egypt
Book Summary
This book offers the reader a fascinating journey into late 19th-century Egypt, led by Eduardo Toda, Spain's consul general in Cairo and a pioneer of Spanish Egyptology. Through an engaging and detailed narrative, the author recounts his expeditions across the land of the Nile between 1884 and 1886, visiting iconic monuments and archaeological sites such as Giza, Thebes, and Aswan. The work culminates with his participation in the discovery of the tomb of Sennedjem, offering a unique perspective on the archaeology, history, and Egyptian society of that era.
What is it about?
Eduardo Toda recounts in the first person the two years he spent as consul in Egypt, during which he traveled more than a thousand kilometers across the country. The narrative combines descriptions of great pharaonic monuments—such as the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Abydos, Dendera, Thebes, and Philae—with the historical and political context of the time. The author addresses the recent British military campaign, the tragic death of General Gordon in Khartoum, and the opening of the Suez Canal, among other events. Likewise, he offers a portrait of social life in Cairo and details the efforts of archaeological recovery and the fight against the looting of tombs and mummies. The highlight of the work is his participation in the discovery of the tomb of the artisan Sennedjem in Deir el-Medina in 1886.
Main Themes
- Egyptian archaeology and Egyptology: exploration of temples, tombs, and sites, with special attention to the discovery of the tomb of Sennedjem.
- Travel and exploration in 19th-century Egypt, including routes along the Nile and visits to sites such as Abydos, Thebes, and Aswan.
- Political and social history of late 19th-century Egypt, with references to the British intervention and the country's situation.
- Spanish consular and diplomatic life in Cairo, with observations on local society and customs.
- The fight against archaeological looting and the conservation of Egypt's cultural heritage.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at enthusiasts of Egyptology and archaeology who are interested in early discoveries and the history of the discipline. It will also be attractive to lovers of classic travel literature who seek first-person exploration accounts. Likewise, it is a work of interest to readers who wish to understand the history of Egypt from a 19th-century European perspective, as well as to those who enjoy well-documented historical and cultural chronicles.
What this book contributes
- A first-hand testimony of late 19th-century Egypt, narrated by a Spanish diplomat and scholar.
- A detailed chronicle of the discovery of the tomb of Sennedjem, one of the most relevant archaeological finds of the era.
- A unique vision of archaeology before its professionalization, with descriptions of excavations and the problem of looting.
- An entertaining and cultured account that combines history, travel, and social observation, with updated historical nomenclature to facilitate modern reading.
- The recovery of a fundamental work by the man considered the father of Egyptology in Spain, which had been unavailable in modern editions for over a century.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Toda y Güel, Eduardo
- Publisher: Ediciones del Viento, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Egyptian archaeology / Egyptology, Travel literature
- Collection: Viento Simún
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2020
- Number of pages: 496
- Weight: 890 g
Editorial Assessment
This is a very relevant reissue for those interested in Egyptology and the history of travel. The work of Eduardo Toda, considered foundational in Spain, offers an exceptional testimony of a golden age of archaeology, combining historical rigor with an accessible and entertaining narrative style. The updating of the nomenclature facilitates its reading for a contemporary audience, while the historical and political context provides depth to the account. It is, without a doubt, a valuable acquisition for both collectors and new readers who wish to delve into the Egypt of the 19th century through the eyes of a privileged witness.