W. F. (William Fraser) Hume

author

W. F. (William Fraser) Hume

1867–1949

A British geologist who became one of the key scientific figures in the study of Egypt, he wrote clearly about landscapes, rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. His work opens a window onto both early modern geology and the natural history of northeastern Africa.

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About the author

Born in Cheltenham on October 1, 1867, William Fraser Hume was educated in Russia and Switzerland before studying at the Royal College of Science and the Royal College of Mines in London. He went on to build a career in geology and became especially known for his work in Egypt.

Hume spent many years with the Geological Survey of Egypt and later served as its director. His research focused on Egyptian geology, including Sinai and the wider structure of the region, and his books helped explain complex geological ideas in a practical, readable way for students and general readers as well as specialists.

He was widely respected in his field, receiving the Lyell Medal and election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He died on February 23, 1949, leaving behind a body of work closely tied to the scientific exploration of Egypt and its deserts.