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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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Previews available in: English
Subjects
Obelisks, Cleopatra's Needle (New York, N.Y.), Egyptology, Archaeology and history, Africa, historyPlaces
EgyptShowing 4 featured editions. View all 4 editions?
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1
Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt
2021, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
in English
1350198722 9781350198722
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2
Cleopatra's needles: the lost obelisks of Egypt
2016, Bloomsbury Academic
in English
1474242936 9781474242936
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3
Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt
2016, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
in English
1474242952 9781474242950
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4
Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt
2016, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
in English
1474242944 9781474242943
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Book Details
Table of Contents
Edition Notes
Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-232) and index.
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