Cleopatra's needle : with brief notes on Egypt and Egyptian obelisks

The work opens with a vivid portrait of the ancient stone that would become a familiar landmark on the Thames. Carved from the quarries of Syène over three millennia ago, the obelisk bears the hieroglyphic testimonies of two great pharaohs—Thutmose III and Ramesses II—offering a rare visual comparison of artistic styles separated by two centuries. Its original setting, first at Heliopolis and later in Alexandria, links the monument to Egypt’s early mastery of architecture, sculpture, and even biblical narratives that once unfolded in its shadow.

From there the narrative follows the centuries‑long ambition to bring the monolith to Britain. Diplomatic overtures, naval plans, and engineering sketches reveal the complex interplay of politics, pride, and practical hurdles that defined each attempt to transport the massive stone. Interwoven with anecdotes of battles, royal gifts, and the relentless perseverance of engineers, the book illuminates how a relic of ancient Egypt came to stand as a testament to both its own civilization and the Victorian era’s drive to claim such wonders.