James Henry Breasted: From Illinois to Egypt

The origins of James Henry Breasted (1865-1935) were certainly humble. His small-town background was staunchly Congregationalist, and his family encouraged him toward the ministry. His early training was in pharmacy, but an increasing awareness of apparent contradictions in the biblical narrative began to trouble his faith. It also impelled him to turn to Egypt and Mesopotamia, the civilizations that lay behind much of the world of the Old Testament.

Jeffrey Abt tells Breasted life story in "American Egyptologist." Breasted's legacy lies not only in a university building, suggests Mr Abt, but in the history of thought. 

The Wall Street Journal

Unearthing ancient attitudes: show triggers insights into archaeology's evolution

The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago's 'Pioneers of the Past' exhibition, until 29th August, asks: Who owns the past? Display of artifacts, letters and photographs commemorating founder James Henry Breasted's first expedition to Egypt and what are now Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
Source: The Wall Street Journal