An important work for Egyptologists all around the world . . . it stands out as a major contribution to the history of Egyptology in a wider, political context.Dan Deac, Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology
Professor Donald Malcolm Reid is one of the most prolific scholars in the field of modern Egyptian history. This work fills in a major lacuna, the role of Egyptians in archaeology and the museum world during the first half of the 20th century. Jere Bacharach, University of Washington
A very important contribution to the development of, and changes in, the perception of our national culture as viewed by the West and how this vision affected Egyptians and Egyptian archaeology. . . promises to be as important in its field as Whose Pharaohs? has been. Fayza Haikal, The American University in Cairo
Contesting Antiquity in Egypt would be of interest to scholars across humanistic disciplines. It will act as a valuable reference to those studying symbols of national ideology as well as ones scavenging for minute bibliographical information on a great many twentieth-century Egyptian cultural movers.Arab Studies Quarterly
A valuable piece of scholarship: not only in terms of the history of archaeology and museums in Egypt, but also concerning how we think about the making of the past in formerly colonized countries.William Carruthers, Public Archaeology
Highly recommended. . . . Of particular importance is Reids emphasis on Egyptian scholars who pioneered the study of the above fields and the role they played in wresting control of Egyptology from earlier French, British, German, and US colonial dominance. Of equal interest is the constant tension and rivalry between French and British archaeologists for control of Egyptology and their role in subordinating indigenous scholarship. Intrigues to control the news related to the discovery of Tutankhamen, controversies regarding the division of archaeological remains, and personal hostilities between famed archaeologists all make for an interesting read.Choice
Reid, who always has a good eye for an anecdote, shows how impossible it is to separate culture from the imperial machinations and rivalries of the time. . . . The really important thing about Reids new book is that he brings the often neglected contributions of Egyptian scholars into this narrative.Raphael Cormack, Apollo
A fascinating history of historians.AramcoWorld
"Reids groundbreaking study on the interrelationship of ancient Egyptian archaeology or heritage and modern Egyptian national identity . . . is rendered easily accessible to the reader."Bibliotheca Orientalis