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Cleopatra's Needles - The Lost Obelisks of Egypt (Hardcover)
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Cleopatra's Needles - The Lost Obelisks of Egypt (Hardcover)
Series: Bloomsbury Egyptology
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In the half-century between 1831 and 1881 three massive obelisks
left Egypt for new lands. Prior to these journeys, the last large
obelisk moved was the Vatican obelisk in 1586 - one of the great
engineering achievements of the Renaissance. Roman emperors moved
more than a dozen, but left no records of how they did it. The
nineteenth-century engineers entrusted with transporting the
obelisks across oceans had to invent new methods, and they were far
from certain that they would work. As the three obelisks, bound for
Paris, London and New York, sailed towards their new homes, the
world held its breath. Newspapers reported the obelisks' daily
progress, complete with dramatic illustrations of the heroic deeds
of the engineers and crews struggling under nearly impossible
conditions. When the obelisks finally arrived safely in their new
homes, bands played Cleopatra's Needle Waltz and silver obelisk
pencils dangled from fashionable ladies' necks. This turbulent era,
caught up in obelisk mania, is recreated by Bob Brier in all its
glory. Amid astounding tales of engineering dexterity and naval
endurance, the individuals involved in transporting the obelisks
and receiving them in their future homes are brought to life
through their letters and diaries, newspaper articles and
illustrations. Written by a renowned Egyptologist and author, this
compelling book will fascinate all those interested in Egypt, its
iconic monuments and the history of great endeavour.
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