Egyptomania Goes to the Movies - by Matthew Coniam (Paperback)

About the Book

"The discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922, by a sensation-hungry world newly united by mass media, created a wave of fascination unlike anything before. This study traces the origins of 20th century cinema's obsession with Ancient Egypt through previous eras and relates its recurring themes and ideas to the historical reality of the land of the Pharaohs"--

Book Synopsis

"Egyptomania," the West's obsession with the strange and magnificent world of Ancient Egypt, has for centuries been reflected in architecture, literature and the performing arts. But the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922, by a sensation-hungry world newly united by mass media, created a wave of fascination unlike anything before. They called it "Tutmania" and its influence was felt everywhere from fashion to home decor to popular music--and notably in the new medium of film. This study traces the origins of 20th century cinema's obsession with Ancient Egypt through previous eras and relates its recurring themes and ideas to the historical reality of the land of the Pharaohs.

Review Quotes

"informative and fun...provides much interesting detail...recommended"-Choice; "very detailed...a complete history of the history of Egyptomania and the mummy craze at the movies, how it first hit Hollywood and the way British Hammer studio continued the idea...recommended and most entertaining"-popcultureshelf.com.

About the Author

Matthew Coniam has authored or contributed to numerous books, magazines, journals and websites in Britain and America. He lives in Bath, England.