"Some of the first mummies, monumental sculptures, and other ancient Egyptian artifacts to come to America became part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's holdings as early as 1872. Today, the MFA's Egyptian collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. This volume features over one hundred of the most important of these objects, with texts by three prominent Egyptologists. Introductions to each major period of ancient Egyptian history provide an overview of the worshipped rulers, regional lords, and myriad laborers who commissioned and created these beautiful works, as well as the political events, religious rituals, and technical accomplishments that helped shape them. Some of these objects, such as the bust of Ankhhaf or the monumental sculpture of King Menkaure and queen, have no equal anywhere. Others boast a unique local history, such as the Torso of King Achoris that was purchased as ballast by a Yankee sea captain and displayed for sixty years on a postmaster's front lawn. Whatever one's interest, this book provides a tantalizing glimpse into the civilization that has fascinated the West since Antony first wooed Cleopatra."--Jacket.