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A female action hero come to life.

A woman who swaggered.

A woman who talked and fought back.

A woman who owned her power.

Meet Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, the daredevil woman archaeologist who saved Egypt’s ancient temples from destruction.

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Welcome

The nine books of history I’ve written all have a common thread. They focus on unsung heroes—people of courage and conscience who helped change their country and the world but who, for various reasons, have slipped through the cracks of history. Since seven of the books deal with war, specifically World War II, it’s not surprising that most of the heroes I’ve spotlighted have been men. My latest two books, however, are exceptions. Madame Fourcade’s Secret War is about a woman—a young mother of two who just happened to be the leader of France’s largest Allied spy network during World War II.

My new book, Empress of the Nile, published February 28, 2023, follows in Madame Fourcade’s footsteps. It’s about another strong-willed, trailblazing, history-making Frenchwoman—an Egyptologist named Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, who was responsible for the greatest archaeological rescue in history. Read more about it here.

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Olson’s many fans know her gift for storytelling and bringing to life heroes who may not be well known but demand—indeed, rivet—our attention… Readers will devour this wonderful book.
—Bestselling author Evan Thomas

With her signature deep research and compassion for quirky characters, Olson spins an inspiring tale with a sometimes surprising cast, including First Lady Jacqeuline Kennedy. Empress of the Nile is a tonic for our times.
—Bestselling author Kati Marton

Olson’s richly detailed biography takes the reader for a magnificent ride in this heart-stopping read.
—Bestselling author Fiona Davis

Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt was one of the leading Egyptologists of the 20th century, yet her remarkable achievements have received little attention. Lynne Olson has done her justice with this comprehensive biography.
—Bestselling author Toby Wilkinson

Empress of the Nile is the best sort of micro history: both an intimate portrait of a groundbreaking woman and a whirlwind tour through the major events and personalities of the twentieth century.
—Bestselling author Lauren Willig

About Lynne

Lynne Olson is a New York Times bestselling author of nine books of history, most of which deal in some way with World War II and Britain’s crucial role in that conflict. Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has called her “our era’s foremost chronicler of World War II politics and diplomacy.”