This is the story of Jean-Francois Champollion who deciphered the lost language of the Ancient Egyptians. It is almost as much the story of his elder brother Jacques-Joseph who provided him with so much help and support, and of Champollion's rivals especially Thomas Young. The book paints a wide picture, fully taking into account the broader scientific and historical background to Champollion's work. This was the time immediately following the French revolution, a time of rapidly shifting political fortunes. Champollion was fortunate indeed that Jacques-Joseph was as skilled in politics and he was clumsy. The steps along to path to the decipherment of the hieroglyphs is well described, as is the rest of Champollion's life personal and private. I was particularly interested that the Rosetta Stone was more of an inspiration than the real key to understanding hieroglyphs. It was really Champollion's genius at languages applied to other inscriptions that made decipherment possible. I can highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in ancient history.
Harper Collins, 335 pages
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