This book is written with utmost affection, as well as national pride and a solemnized sense of history. No, it does not sound preachy, as this author time and again successfully entices his audience into the world he loves with a never-failing trail of inspirational sparks. It is a meaty subject nevertheless, as it is the longest-lasting empire in history that we are dealing with here, with all the specialized jargons that one must negotiate with. Zahi Hawass (now disgraced, as he was one of the preferred pets of the Mubarak regime, in addition to his self-aggrandizing way of dealing with other archaeologists working in Egypt - note: Mubarak's wife prefaced the book) contextualized Tutankhamun in the wider context of the entire ancient Egyptian history, with a special focus on the 18th Dynasty, to which Tutankhamun belonged. Indeed, many objects from other tombs and sites are also featured to provide needed supplements. Main chapters alternate with detailed pictorial essays (i.e. annotated illustrations). The bibliography at the end is an exciting point of departure for those who are particularly keen (listed items are not limited to publications in English).

This book is amazing!! Full of beautiful pictures and the tale of the golden age of the pharaohs. This is the kind of book to just relax and read and to read again and again!! The favourite and best feature of this book is the spendid pictures of Tut's tomb and the pharaohs before him and after him. I highly recommend this book!!