William Collins acquires new Tutankhamun history by Countess of Carnarvon

William Collins has acquired a new history by the Countess of Carnarvon, the chatelain of Highclere Castle, tracing her family’s involvement in the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. 

Arabella Pike, publishing director, bought world all-language rights from the author to Visitor to an Antique Land: The 5th Earl of Carnarvon – Treasure, Tragedy and the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb. Lisa Sharkey, senior vice-president and director of creative development at HarperCollins, will publish simultaneously in the US, under the Harper imprint. The book will be published in autumn 2022, in time for the centenary of the discovery.

The publisher said: "In rich, dramatic detail, the countess will unfold both the true stories of the aristocracy in the era and setting of 'Downton Abbey', and the world-changing consequences of the tomb’s discovery, opening a new door to past civilisations in all their myths, history and splendour."

Pike said: "Gold, treasure, tragedy—drawing on family archives at Highclere Castle, Lady Carnarvon’s book will combine the best in biographical writing with new insight into the life of the fifth Earl, his dedication to Egypt and the archaeological work of Howard Carter. We could not be more excited to be publishing it in time for the century of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb."

Sharkey said: "We couldn’t be more honoured and thrilled to be working with the Countess of Carnarvon on what I know will be a fascinating book.  I so look forward to helping readers throughout North America discover the true story of one of the world’s great adventurers."

The Countess added: "I am delighted to be sharing the stories and previously unpublished material from the fifth Earl of Carnarvon’s life, travels and discoveries for my forthcoming book, which is one I’ve been planning for a long time.  Similarly, I’m thrilled to be working with the incredible team at HarperCollins in the UK and North America."