In “Women in the Valley of the Kings: The Untold Story of Women Egyptologists in the Gilded Age,” Kathleen Sheppard reveals the pivotal yet overlooked role women made to the field of Egyptology. Long before the “rockstars” like Howard Carter, many women pioneered the field, including Amelia Edwards, Maggie Benson, Margaret Murray, and others. Sheppard’s book details the challenges these women faced and their significant achievements, including groundbreaking excavations and academic advancements. By focusing on their stories, Sheppard offers a compelling revision of the traditional Egyptology narrative, celebrating the courage and expertise of these trailblazing women who profoundly influenced the study of ancient Egypt. 

 

“Women in the Valley of the Kings” is organized into seven chapters, each focusing on a different woman who helped develop the field of Egyptology. The chapters are arranged chronologically, providing readers with a structured narrative that highlights the evolving contributions of these trailblazing women. There is some overlap and interactions between of the women, which Sheppard notes. Each chapter really dives into the personal experiences, challenges, and achievements of its subject, offering a rich and detailed account of their impact on the field. Sheppard’s thorough research and in-depth exploration reveal the thankless roles these women played in the academic and archaeological fields. 

 

The book is undoubtedly a valuable addition to both Egyptology and women's history, some readers might find certain chapters a bit dry, with a tone that can occasionally feel more formal than engaging. Despite this, Sheppard's expertise and dedication to uncovering these untold stories shine through. Her work is a compelling testament to the resilience and accomplishments of these early female Egyptologists. For anyone with an interest in Egyptology or the contributions of women in academia and archaeology, “Women in the Valley of the Kings” is a great fit.

I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.