Cleopatra’s Needles

In "The Transport of the Obelisks," Bob Brier chronicles the dramatic journey of three monumental obelisks as they left Egypt for Paris, London, and New York between 1831 and 1881. This engaging narrative highlights the engineering challenges and innovative methods developed by nineteenth-century engineers, as well as the public's fascination with the obelisks during their voyage, documented through letters, diaries, and newspaper reports. Brier recreates the excitement and cultural impact of this era, offering a vivid portrayal of the individuals involved in this grand endeavor.