Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt
In Company with Several Divisions of the French Army, during the Campaigns of General Bonaparte in that Country

A lively, illustrated three-volume account, published in translation in 1803, of experiences in Egypt, by a savant travelling with Napoleon's army.

Vivant Denon (Author), Arthur Aikin (Translated by)

9781108080217, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 April 2015

440 pages, 32 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.56 kg

Napoleon's military expedition to Egypt in 1798 famously included various scientists and savants, among whom was the author of this three-volume work, published in French in 1802 and in English in 1803. Vivant Denon (1747–1825) was a diplomat under the Ancien Régime, but survived the Revolution thanks to the patronage of the painter David, and met Napoleon through the salon of Josephine de Beauharnais. He accompanied the army, excavating and sketching, sometimes even during battles. The publication of this lively, illustrated account is regarded as the chief stimulus for the so-called 'Egyptian Revival' style of architecture, interior design and even costume. Volume 2 finds Denon travelling down the Nile into Upper Egypt, and fretting because General Desaix, his mind focused on an approaching battle, would not give him an escort to visit Abydos. This disappointment was compensated for when the army arrived at the marvellous ruins of Thebes.

11. Town of Siut or Lycopolis
12. Astonishing effect of the first approach to Thebes
13. Approach to Syene
14. Attack on Philoe and expulsion of the inhabitants
15. Arrival at Hermontis
16. Ruins of Kous and in the neighbourhood
17. Quit Etsu and arrive at Esneh
18. Present state of Copthos.

Subject Areas: Archaeology by period / region [HDD]