I got this hardcover at local independent bookstore Balin Books. It's written by the current Countess of Carnarvon, Fiona, wife of the 8th earl, and it focuses on the life of the 5th earl - best known for his sponsorship of the expedition, led by Howard Carter, that discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922.

The book goes into detail about the family background from the young "Porchy"s childhood, with notes on the family ups and downs over the generations. Since the family seat, Highclere Castle, has become famous as the primary filming location for "Downton Abbey," many of the book's details about the family, their guests, relationships, and social and political life resonate with that series.

It's well into the book before we get to meet the prickly Howard Carter and learn how he was introduced to the Earl as a possible expedition lead for the Earl's new interest in Egyptology. (I was pleasantly surprised to find that, in general, the Earl's attitude towards archaeology was respectful and careful; he went to some trouble to ensure that the artifacts would be recorded and conserved, something that not all of the expeditions of the day were as careful about.)

While I found the book a bit dry overall, it did highlight just how impressive a life the Earl led - and in the face of a number of ongoing health problems, which must have made life challenging for him at times.

I left this book in the Little Free Library on this warm, sunny day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

Released for:

** 2024 May Royalty challenge **