This is an excellent introduction to Egyptology, even if it is a little outdated in places. It brings to life both Ancient times and the discoveries made by the pioneering Archaologists and Egyptologists along the way, showing the passion and joy that drove them and the devastation that struck at the losses and robberies uncovered. Given the subject, which is ever complex and interwoven, Cottrell manages to unravel it enough to let those unfamiliar with the country, its history and its discovery get to grips with the basics without losing any of its depth or sense of wonder and awe that the era provokes in those already hooked. My only complaint is that I wanted more, more of the discoveries and the stories, the little tidbits of information gleened from talking to those who were there and let their imaginations run wild. For me that is something lacking from more modern works, they can be too cold and clinical, they don't embody the mystery and they don't grab you and take you back to those key moments just before that last bit of sand/mud/stone is removed when hearts are pounding and the possibilities are endless.