A Professor of Egyptology

Name: A Professor of Egyptology
Author: Guy Boothby

The novel follows the adventures of Professor John Tregarva, an Egyptologist who is sent to Egypt to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a colleague. While in Egypt, he discovers a secret cult of ancient Egyptians who are trying to revive their ancient religion and overthrow the British government. The professor must use his knowledge of Egyptology to unravel the mystery and save the day. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including a beautiful princess, a mysterious cult leader, and a sinister villain. The novel is a thrilling adventure story that combines elements of mystery, romance, and history. It is a classic example of the "lost world" genre, in which a modern-day explorer discovers a secret world hidden in the past.

By Guy Boothby · First published 1904 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 7,516 words

First lines

From seven o'clock in the evening until half past, that is to say for the half-hour preceding dinner, the Grand Hall of the Hotel Occidental, throughout the season, is practically a lounge, and is crowded with the most fashionable folk wintering in Cairo. The evening I am anxious to describe was certainly no exception to the rule. At the foot of the fine marble staircase--the pride of its owner--a well-known member of the French Ministry was chatting with an English Duchess whose pretty, but somewhat delicate, daughter was flirting mildly with one of the Sirdar's Bimbashis, on leave from the Soudan. On the right-hand lounge of the Hall an Italian Countess, whose antecedents were as doubtful as her diamonds, was apparently listening to a story a handsome Greek attaché was telling her; in reality, however, she was endeavouring to catch scraps of a conversation being carried on, a few feet away, between a witty Russian and an equally clever daughter of the United States. Almost every nationality was represented there, but unfortunately for our prestige, the majority were English. The scene was a brilliant one, and the sprinkling of military and diplomatic uniforms (there was a Reception at the Khedivial Palace later) lent an additional touch of colour to the picture. Taken altogether, and regarded from a political point of view, the gathering had a significance of its own.

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A Professor of Egyptology is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy Boothby, dated 1904 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Guy Boothby
Date: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Romance
Length: 7,516 words
Structure: 1 section, 222 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The book follows the story of a professor of Egyptology, which is set in the late 19th century, making it a historical fiction novel.
Adventure — The book follows the professor's adventures as he travels to Egypt to uncover the secrets of the ancient world.
Mystery — The professor must solve the mystery of the ancient Egyptian artifacts he discovers in order to uncover the truth.
Romance — The professor falls in love with a mysterious woman he meets in Egypt, adding a romantic element to the story.