Tab Article

ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Archaeology / Art History / Middle Eastern History / Exhibition Catalogue

Book Review:
The Queen of Sheba is one of the most famous and enigmatic figures in legend—a woman of power and mystery who appears in the Bible, the Quran, and countless artistic traditions. But who was she? Was she real? And what can we know about the world she came from? This magnificent book, published to accompany a major exhibition at the British Museum, sets out to answer these questions. Edited by St John Simpson of the British Museum, it brings together twelve essays by leading scholars that explore the Queen of Sheba from multiple angles: as a figure in Western popular culture, as a legend in Jewish, Islamic, and Christian traditions, and as a possible historical figure rooted in the ancient kingdoms of Yemen. The heart of the book is its catalogue of over 300 items, beautifully illustrated in color. These range from little-known artworks in UK collections to antiquities from Yemen, many exhibited in Britain for the first time. They include stunning examples of Sabaean art, inscriptions, sculpture, and everyday objects that bring the ancient world to life. This is not just a catalogue; it's a comprehensive, scholarly, and visually stunning exploration of one of history's most enduring legends and the real-world culture that inspired it. Essential for scholars and fascinating for anyone captivated by the Queen of Sheba's story.