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King Tut: The Journey through the Underworld by Sandro Vannini

Marking the centenary of Howard Carter's first excavations in the Valley of the Kings, and in collaboration with a series of international exhibitions, this comprehensive guide combines a contemporary understanding of the ancient Egyptian afterlife with Sandro Vannini's super high-resolution photography to cast an enthralling light on the voyage Tutankhamun was thought to make after death.

Buried in the 14th century BC but unearthed by Carter in 1922, the objects entombed with Tutankhamun offer an invaluable window on to a long-extinct belief system. Seen today, they create an intricate picture of how the ancient Egyptian people viewed the perilous journey to paradise, a utopian Egypt that could only be entered following the final judgement.

When acclaimed photographer Sandro Vannini started his work in Egypt in the late 90's, a technological revolution was about to unfold. Emerging technologies enabled him to document murals, tombs, and artifacts in unprecedented detail. Using the time-consuming and strenuous multi-shot technique, Vannini produced complete photographic reproductions that revealed colors in their original tones with vivid intensity. Through these extraordinary images, we discover the objects' quintessential features alongside the sophisticated and cleverly hidden details.

Some of these invaluable works were damaged during the 2011 Egyptian uprising, and some were destroyed altogether; yet fortunately in Vannini's photographs they endure in their full, timeless splendor.

From offerings and rituals to Osiris and eternal life, Vannini's portfolio covers all facets of ancient Egyptian culture -- but it is Tutankhamun's unique legacy that dominates these images. With texts from nine distinguished Egyptologists, King Tut, The Journey through the Underworld puts much-debated mysteries to rest. Insightful narratives, resplendent images, and a contemporary standpoint make this title a fitting tribute to the Boy King's odyssey, illuminating an epoch that spanned an unimaginable 4,000 years.

• Hardcover; Book Sleeve with Gold Foil Lettering and Embossed Photography
• 448 Pages
• Text: English
• Released in May 2018
• W 9.5" x L 13.4" D 1.75"