Burton, M. MSS

The diary covers the period from 4 May 1922 to 20 October 1926 and contains daily entries recording social engagements and memorable events, including the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter’s team. It details Mrs Burton’s life and travels with her husband at home in Florence, their stays in Egypt (especially in Luxor, but also in Cairo), the trip they made across the United States and to Hollywood in 1924, and various holidays in Europe (London, Salzburg, St. Moritz, etc.).

Although the diary has been consulted and quoted in several publications, it is here reproduced in its entirety for the first time. It provides the only known account by a woman who was present during the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The diary is a lined account book, bound in blue cloth, with around 400 pages and measuring 17.9 x 11.0 x 0.28 cm.