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  • Cleopatra’s Needles

  • The Lost Obelisks of Egypt
  • Written by: Bob Brier PhD
  • Narrated by: Christopher Douyard
  • Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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Cleopatra’s Needles

Written by: Bob Brier PhD
Narrated by: Christopher Douyard
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Publisher's Summary

In the half-century between 1831 and 1881 three massive obelisks left Egypt for new lands. Prior to these journeys, the last large obelisk moved was the Vatican obelisk in 1586—one of the great engineering achievements of the Renaissance. Roman emperors moved more than a dozen, but left no records of how they did it. The nineteenth-century engineers entrusted with transporting the obelisks across oceans had to invent new methods, far from certain that they would work. As the three obelisks, bound for Paris, London, and New York, sailed towards their new homes, the world held its breath. Newspapers reported the obelisks' daily progress, complete with illustrations of the heroic deeds of the engineers and crews struggling under nearly impossible conditions. When the obelisks arrived safely in their new homes, bands played Cleopatra's Needle Waltz and silver obelisk pencils dangled from fashionable ladies' necks.

This turbulent era, caught up in obelisk mania, is recreated by Bob Brier in all its glory. Amid tales of engineering dexterity and naval endurance, the individuals involved in transporting the obelisks and receiving them in their future homes are brought to life through their letters and diaries and newspaper articles. This book will fascinate all those interested in Egypt, its iconic monuments, and the history of great endeavor.

©2016 Bob Brier (P)2023 Tantor

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Bob Brier is an incredible Egyptologist

If you ever get to see a Cleopatra Needle in person you will be amazed by the size and beauty. Bob Brier tells the amazing stories of these incredible historical artifacts. How they travelled from Ancient Egypt to modern day London, New York and Paris.

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