Olga Tufnell's 'Perfect Journey': Letters and Photographs of an Archaeologist in the Levant and Mediterranean (1st)

Olga Tufnell (1905-85) was aBritish archaeologist working in Egypt, Cyprus and Palestine in the 1920s and1930s, a period often described as a golden age of archaeological discovery.For the first time, this book presents Olga's account of her experiences in her own words. Based largely onletters home, the text is accompanied by dozens of photographs that shed lighton personal experiences of travel and dig life at this extraordinary time.Introductory material by John D.M. Green and Ros Henry provides the social,historical, biographical and archaeological context for the overall narrative.

The letters offer newinsights into the social and professional networks and history ofarchaeological research, particularly for Palestine under the British Mandate.They provide insights into the role of foreign archaeologists, relationshipswith local workers and inhabitants, and the colonial framework within whichthey operated during turbulent times.

 This book will be animportant resource for those studying the history of archaeology in the EasternMediterranean, particularly for the sites of Qau el-Kebir, Tell Fara, Tellel-'Ajjul and Tell ed-Duweir (ancient Lachish). Moreover, Olga's lively stylemakes this a fascinating personal account of archaeology and travel in theinterwar era.

Praise for Olga Tufnell's 'Perfect Journey' 

'Tufnell's letters offer a fascinating glimpse into life in the field and on the road nearly 100 years ago.'
Minerva

'A fascinating insight into the experiences of a female British archaeologist working in the Middle East in a time of great social change, as well as important archaeological work.'
Current World Archaeology

'A useful resource for those studying the history of archaeology in the Eastern Mediterranean for Palestine, Cyprus, and Egypt ... A much-needed real life contemporary perspective often absent in memoirs or biographies.'
Trowelblazers.com