Chasing Hieroglyphs

<p></p><p>Two years after cracking the hieroglyphic code through the word 'Ramses' on the Rosetta Stone Jean-François Champollion embarked on an expedition to Egypt on 31 July 1828. France was at war with the sultan and a pandemic gripped the world. In these diaries and letters to his brother Champollion captures in riveting detail the voyage's obstacles as he unravels ancient Egypt's civilisation.</p><p></p><p>Jean-François Champollion died as a result of going to Egypt (like more than a third of his companions) on 4 March 1832 aged 41-at the height of his success. Professor Joyce Tyldesley is Professor of Egyptology at the University of Manchester and a writer and broadcaster.</p><p></p><p>'For the first time in English.... On almost every page he records his amazement at what he saw.'</p><p>Professor John Ray The Times</p><p></p><p>'His enthusiasm is infectious: here is someone whose lifelong wish is coming true.'</p><p>Sunday Times</p><p></p><p>'Burn with the passion that he dedicated his life to.' </p><p>Guardian</p><p></p><p>'[V]ivid penetrating and often entertaining descriptions.'</p><p>Times Higher Education Supplement</p><p></p><p>'A wealth of observation.'</p><p>Egyptian Archaeology</p><p></p><p>'Ebullient.'</p><p>History Today</p>