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Auction: 25360 - The 360th Anniversary Sale
Lot: 30

SIGNED FIRST EDITION OF 'THE TOMB OF TUTANKHAMEN' BY HOWARD CARTER

The Tomb of Tut·Ankh·Amen, by Howard Carter (1927), Volume 2 only, First American Edition, published by George H Doran Company, New York, hardcover in original red cloth, gilt, 8vo, with 88 photographic illustrations, original dust jacket (small area of restoration at top end of spine), personally signed and inscribed on the half-title page: 'To Victor Walker with best wishes from Howard Carter 1927'.
Housed in a custom-made luxury case which complements and protects this rare book, inscriptions from Howard Carter are rare, Victor Walker was Carter's Insurance agent, very fine.

The entrance of the tomb of Tutankhamun, the young Pharoah who ruled Egypt around 1332 - 1323 BC, was uncovered in November 1922 by workmen acting for Howard Carter, who was excavating in the Valley of the Kings. The discovery of the virtually intact tomb of the boy king, containing over 5000 artefacts and fabulous antiquities, sparked headlines and "Tutmania" around the world.

Carter wrote of the discovery and excavation in his book, The Tomb of Tut·Ankh·Amen, published in three volumes over several years. The first volume was published in 1923 and co-authored with Arthur Mace; the second volume was published in 1927; and the third in 1933. The book offered here is a first US edition of Volume 2, published in 1927.

First editions of The Tomb of Tut·Ankh·Amen are scarce - but this book is particularly rare because it is inscribed and signed by the author. Only two other signed first editions of The Tomb of Tut·Ankh·Amen have been offered at auction in recent years.

The inscription is to Victor Walker who was Carter's insurance agent. Carter's diary for 9th July 1927 notes: "Saw Victor Walker re. annuity". By 1928, he was receiving an annuity of £1000 from the Standard Life Assurance Co. (See The Path to Tutankhamun by T.G.H. James.)



Howard Carter's estate was sold by Spink in 1939. At the time the firm was known for dealing in Egyptian antiquities.


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Estimate

Starting price
£3500