The excavation of Troy has always been considered an extremely important event in the history of archaeology. This is due to the fact that very existence of Troy was considered a myth birthed by Homer, only to be exposed by the eccentric, business man/archaeologist, Heinrich Schliemann. The author, Susan Allen, explores all aspects of the modern discovery of Troy by explaining how valuable the input of English diplomat, Frank Calvert, was in Schleimann's announcement to the world he had found the supposed mythological Homeric Troy. This book is not only excellently referenced but holds the extra quality of being able to tie the current events of 19th century Asian Minor politics to the fascinating story of how Heinrich Schleimann basically cheated Frank Calvert out of the credit he deserved in Troy's discovery. If you have any interest in 19th century archaeology, politics of archaeology or the intial excavations of Troy, this is a must read book.

This was a captivating account of the Calvert family, particularly Frank Calvert, and the discovery of the reputed site of ancient Troy. The final chapters also deal with the turbulent relationship between Heinrich Schliemann, the individual most often associated with that discovery, and the Calverts. It is a story of a passion for the Homeric epics and of the struggle for priority in finding the site of the famous battle. Frank Calvert, in particular, is depicted as the unfortunate victim of the machinations of the ambitious and apparently unscrupulous German entrepreneur. (The family photo of the man, seated on his doorstep, looks like a study in defeat). Indeed there has been recent doubt expressed by members of the present day archaeological community regarding the genuineness of some of Schliemann's most famous discoveries. Most importantly the golden treasure trouve traditionally accepted as having been found at Troy has come under question, including its true provenance, authenticity, and the circumstances of its discovery. So too has the so-called mask of Agamemnon, which some would suggest is an artifact altered to look more like what popular imagination has come to associate with the Homeric heroes. Still others believe that the mask may be the work of a modern artist commissioned by Schliemann to produce an "artifact" worthy of his hero. Ms Allen concludes her work with the story of the fate of the artworks from Troy, including their post WWII disappearence, recent reappearence in Russia, and the international dispute over their ownership and the ethical issue of right to cultural heritage. This is a book which is understandable whether or not one knows anything about archaeology, history, or the events of the discovery.

This book is an engaging documentary of the intellectual and archaeological pursuit of the ancient city of Troy by two late-nineteenth century explorers.

Once and for all the contribution of Frank Calvert is firmly reestablished, and the warped image of Heinrich Schliemann is debunked and put in its rightful (still heroic) perspective. The human tragedies and triumphs are extreme and well told by the author. It's all here - ascendant thinking, paranoid emasculation, establishment blundering, family misfortunes, the impact of resources and geographic arrogance.

The book is all the more significant as a study of arguably the most significant chronicle of our memorialized ancient past.

There is a high degree of scholarship in this book with extensive details and references. The author is understandably sympathetic to Calvert and his family.

The book brings us right up to today with information that reveals the current murkey ownership and location of much of the ancient treasures recovered from Troy. It turns out the story continues to unfold.

Every paragraph of this book was absorbing to me. I recommend it highly.