The Earl and the Pharaoh

From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun

De: The Countess of Carnarvon

Narrado por: The Countess of Carnarvon

Bestselling author the Countess of Carnarvon tells the thrilling behind-the-scenes story of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun on its centennial, and explores the unparalleled life of family ancestor George Herbert—the famed Egyptologist, world-traveler, and 5th Earl of Carnarvon behind it—whose country house, Highclere Castle, is the setting of the beloved series Downton Abbey.

In November 1922, the world was mesmerized by news of an astonishing historical find in Egypt’s legendary Valley of Kings: the discovery of the tomb of the Egyptian Pharoah Tutankhamun. George Herbert, himself a famed amateur Egyptologist and noted antiquities collector, financed the expedition and excavation headed by lead archaeologist Howard Carter, and accompanied him inside this sacred space that had remained untouched for centuries.

Inside the tomb, the explorers found King Tut’s sarcophagus and a treasure trove of astonishing artifacts: chariots and model boats, board games and paintings, a coffin made of pure gold. But these objects were more than just beautifully crafted works of art; they shed new light on Tutankhamun world and this fabled period of history, and changed our understanding of how the ancient Egyptians had lived—transforming overnight what had been formed through centuries of history and myth.

Drawing on Highclere Castle’s archives, the Countess of Carnarvon pays homage to her ancestor on the 100th anniversary of this extraordinary event. In vivid and dramatic detail, she brings into focus the larger-than-life characters and lustrous settings—as well as those twists of luck and tragedies that shaped Herbert’s life. Across the early 1900s, Highclere saw no less drama than the fictional Downton Abbey, with early tragedies for the Earl and love affairs, as well highs of exorbitant wealth and trials of punishing debt. But above all there was adventure. While Herbert first went to Egypt for his health, this mysterious, romantic land would become a second home; the beloved place where he funneled his attentions over a period of decades, never quite realizing how great the fruits of his labors would prove.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Countess of Carnarvon (P)2022 HarperAudio

Absolutely Lovely!!

Another wonderfully written book by the Countess of Carnarvon. Her understanding of human emotions and her closeness to the subject matter lends a heart and soul to the material. Loved hearing this more human depiction of the man behind one of the most famous discoveries in history. Beautifully narrated by Her Ladyship. Just adored this book!

Best book I have heard in a long time

Provides extraordinarily vivid details, bringing an already exiting story to life. People and events are so real.

Must be one of the very, very best.

So pleasantly surprised by the continuity of the story, and beautiful and thoughtful narration. Wrapped the events in the context of the times in an exquisite way. Had no idea. I would enjoy this as much as I did. Answered so many questions I hadn’t even thought to ask.

Captivating story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Such great detail. What a fascinating and captivating story. I didn’t want the book to end.

An excellent narrative of a remarkable life

The book starts a bit dry in the beginning, but when you are done, you realize that it is the purpose of merging the form and the substance - it exemplifies the immensely hard and meticulous work undertaken by Lord Carnarvon in his journey to find and excavate the tomb of King Tut. Very well read by the countess. To use her favorite phrase - “how extraordinary”!

Insightful

The story set the historical timing well while surrounding the discovery of the tomb and the people involved. Also, the description of how people coped during WWl was thoughtful.

Interesting Insight

This book was another fascinating look inside the events surrounding the Carnarvon family and the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. This book would be of interest to fans of Downton Abbey, as well as persons interested in archaeology and Egypt. Highly recommended.

Excellent history and biographical mystery story as read by Lady Carnarvon

I loved the history of the 5th Lord Carnarvon and his life and Egyptian adventures. Excellent story and excellently read by Lady Carnarvon.

Wonderful telling of a true story!

I loved hearing about the finding of the tomb and all the stories of what Lord and Lady C experienced during those years of when they met to Lord C’s death.

Egyptologist must read; key part of Carnarvons

8/2025 read all 3 biographies/histories of Highclere Castle in England where "Downton Abbey" was filmed; Fiona Carnarvon, current Countess of Carnarvon, wife of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, who are today's residents of the property, does an excellent job of bringing to life the key family characters of the last 100 years or so, & placing them in their time in history

each of the 3 books has merits, but they are definitely redundant to some degree; IF one chooses to read all 3, I recommend starting not reading them in the order of publication; I found it good start with Lady Almina & the Real Downton Abbey The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle (2011), followed by The Earl & the Pharaoh: From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun (2022), & finishing with Lady Catherine, the Earl, & the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle (2013); this way you follow the Carnarvon thread in pretty much chronological order; depending on one's key interests, you may/may not opt not to read all 3

Lady Almina & the Real Downton Abbey The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle (2011) - daughter of Alfred de Rothchild, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon's life spanned 1876 - 1969; to me, she & her husband were the key & most interesting characters of all 3 books; key world events of the time period addressed include the turn of the century from 1800s to 1900s, & WW1, & finding King Tut

The Earl & the Pharaoh: From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun (2022) - Lady Almina's husband was the member of English aristocracy who worked with many, including legendary Egyptologist Howard Carter, over many years to finance & search for the Valley of Kings treasure; his efforts culminated in finding the highly significant King Tut tomb in 1922, which is still well known a century later; the story in this book is a key part of the Carnarvon family tapestry, but is a deep dive into details & specifics of Egyptian archeology & the minute elements of the search/find/recovery/preservation of tomb & contents; it may have less appeal if one is primarily interested in Downton Abbey, Carnarvons/English aristocracy & royal family, or overall 20th century history; for those into Egyptology, it is a must read

Lady Catherine, the Earl, & the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle (2013) - the 6th Countess of Carnarvon is the central character of this book; she is the American born daughter-in-law of Lady Almina; the key world event of the time period addressed is WW2 & the book concludes with ties of her generation with her descendants still living on the property today

fans of the Downton Abbey series & movies will definitely see tie ins between the fictional & real stories