Cleopatra's needles : the lost obelisks of Egypt / Bob Brier.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Brier, Bob, author.

Series:

Bloomsbury Egyptology.

Bloomsbury Egyptology

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Obelisks--Egypt.

Obelisks.

Cleopatra's Needle (New York, N.Y.).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (238 pages) : illustrations.

Distribution:

London, England : Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020

Place of Publication:

London, England : Bloomsbury Academic, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2020.

Summary:

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.

Contents:

How to Quarry an Obelisk

Rome's Obelisks

God's Architect

Napoleon's Obelisk

Cleopatra's Needle Sails for London

The Oldest Skyscraper in New York

Postscript on the Obelisks.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher.

ISBN:

9781474242967

1474242960

9781474242943

1474242944

9781474242950

1474242952

OCLC:

1201426792