Cleopatra’s Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt

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, diaries, and newspaper articles. This book will fascinate all those interested in Egypt, its iconic monuments, and the history of great endeavor.