The deciphering of the Rosetta stone was one of the great intellectual achievements of all time, unlocking the secrets of thousands of years of Egy...
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reviews
Nov 13, 2008
Andrea
rated it: 
While I enjoyed the dramatic details of the major characters, the historian in me was left asking questions, "Where was he, what was he doing, where is the chronological detail?" It needed maps, schematics, pictures to illustrate better the story as it unfolded. Documentation from literary sources would have been a great help. Perhaps if the descriptions had been better developed?
It gave us tantalizing points of interest on the characters that were never fulfilled, More...
It gave us tantalizing points of interest on the characters that were never fulfilled, More...
Nov 11, 2009
Louise
rated it: 
Myerson expertly weaves the history of Napoleon's conquest of Egypt with Champollion's genius and quest to become the man to conquer the Rosetta stone. Fascinating from linguistic and historic perspectives, and gives us little insides into the minds of Champollion and Napoleon, along with their human and tragic ends. The tidbits about the plunder of the Egyptian monuments and legacy by the traders in "filthy lucre" remind us that we have not changed so much over the centuries.
Feb 12, 2009
KC
rated it: 
I understand the author is a professor at Columbia, but his book wasn't that great. His shifts in the timeline were hard to follow; also, I prefer non-fiction that has a bit more fact and a bit less poetic language. To wit: "These letters [from a linguist to his mistress:] are not written in Coptic or Arabic or Latin or Greek but--where can he have learned it, poring over old, musty papyri night and day as he does?--the language of love." Oh, gag me.
Sep 10, 2009
Rachel
rated it:
This sounds like it should be an exciting book about the discovery of the Rosetta Stone and how Champollion figured out how to read heiroglyphics. Unfortunately what the book is is a confusing mishmash that jumps around through time for no discernible reason. The author also spends way too much time quoting random literature that has nothing to do with the main story. The deciphering of herioglyphics isn't even really discussed until tjhe last chapter and then only briefly. Overall a confusing a
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Aug 06, 2011
Excellent story entertwining the lives of Bonaparte and Champollion. My only regret is there is no conclusion; the tale ends abruptly. The storytelling and snippets on people were entertaining. This could've been made into a larger story.
I would've liked more o the meeting between Champollion and Bonaparte, considering that is the title of the book.
I would've liked more o the meeting between Champollion and Bonaparte, considering that is the title of the book.
Oct 27, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
meh. I found this book on a list of books that had changed peoples lives and figured id give it a go.
Well, there was nothing life changing in here for me.
You need to focus and study to keep up with the chracters, history, time changes etc
I love egypt but as i read this book i just wanted it to be over!
Well, there was nothing life changing in here for me.
You need to focus and study to keep up with the chracters, history, time changes etc
I love egypt but as i read this book i just wanted it to be over!
Jun 18, 2010
Kimberly
rated it: 
A chaotic, overly passionate, and anti-climactic retelling of history.
Mar 24, 2008
Lawrence
rated it:
This book is apalling. I honestly could not even finish it. I got about 60 pages in, and had to put it aside. The author feels that it is somehow acceptable to go jumping all across time and space in order to create some sort of prolific, sweeping historical narrative. It ends up sounding trite and bothersome.
Jun 25, 2008
Ed
rated it:
This was an informative and enjoyable read, bringing together two of my favorite topics: language and Egypt. It offers the full story of the Rosetta Stone, that "missing link" which, when found and understood, unlocked the secrets of the hieroglyphics. Not to be missed if this is your sort of thing.
Nov 05, 2008
Kk
rated it:
I got it today...nice and short and concise. One of my favorite subjects.
OK. I wasn't digging it- just cuz of writing style. But now I see the connection and the whole package. I love this book and it is a very exciting story by a man that is thoroughly expert.
OK. I wasn't digging it- just cuz of writing style. But now I see the connection and the whole package. I love this book and it is a very exciting story by a man that is thoroughly expert.
Sep 10, 2008
Jeannette
rated it: 
Uncontested, the best book I have ever read. Amazingly rich, intelligent, and the most beautiful blend of historical accuracy and creative prose. Meyerson is swift and nimble as he travels through time and space, weaving a story of intrigue, passion and purpose.
Jan 20, 2008
David
rated it:
The writing style was irritating- the author clearly wants to sing his story, not write it. Interesting insights into the deciphering of the Rosetta Stone and the heiroglys, when it finally get around to it.
Apr 26, 2008
Tracy
rated it:
This is a mess. For example, what does gossip about Napoleon and Josephine have to do with the Rosetta Stone? But the topic(s) and the goulash of details redeem the volume.
Aug 20, 2008
Suzanne
rated it:
Too fluffy in writing style, but some interesting tidbits in first half. But ultimately not a satisfying reading experience.
Jan 07, 2011
Terri
rated it:
Very amusing read about the man who deciphered the Rosetta stone and Napoleon, who stole it.
Jan 31, 2012
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