What's a "Mummy Congress"?

When people think of mummies, they might think of Egypt. Of course Egypt does have many, but they aren't necessarily the best preserved.

Interestingly, the Mummy Congress is a group of people really interested in the study of mummies. Some might think of the location as being rather desolate and inappropriate - it's held in northern Chile.

The author of The Mummy Congress (393.3 PRI), Heather Pringle, is a journalist who was able to attend this rather obscure event. She was able to meet some of the most passionate followers in the studies of mummies. This lead her around the world, talking to various scientists.

Although there aren't as many photographs of mummies as in other books, there are some taken throughout the world. Mummification has been used throughout human history (and even into the 20th century).

Anyone who has an interest in this subject should pick up this book. It provides a wonderful overview of the world of mummification, whether it was done by nature or by humans.

c Waterloo Public Library 2008