Full Description
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 dilettante and diplomat under the Ancien Regime, 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. The work is dedicated to Napoleon, and the translator, Arthur Aikin, remarks in his 'Advertisement', that 'It is presumed that an account, by an eye-witness, of the romantic but unprovoked invasion of Egypt by General Bonaparte, will not be uninteresting to the British Public.'
Contents
Volume 1fleet at Malta - attack on the town and capitulation; 3. Storming of Alexandria; 4. March from Alexandria to the interior of the country; 5. The British fleet descried, and naval battle of Aboukir; 6. Anniversary feast on the birth of Mahomet; 7. The author enters the Delta; 8. Voyage from Rosetta up the Nile to Cairo; 9. Mummies of the ibis in the vaults of Saccara, and conjectures concerning that bird; 10. Desaix returns to Cairo for reinforcements. Volume 2: 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. Volume 3: 19. Arab council; 20. Balasse, and the porous earthen vessels manufactured there; 21. Embark at Keneh for Cairo; Explanation of the plates; Index; List of plates; Contents.
