Radcliffe Emerson

**Radcliffe Archibald Emerson** aka The Father of Curses

The greatest egyptologist of this or any age!

> “Why are we always getting into situations like this, Peabody? Why can’t I conduct a simple archaeological excavation?” - Radcliffe Emerson
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## Appears in

* Crocodile on the Sandbank
* *The Curse of the Pharaohs*
* *The Mummy Case*
* *Lion in the Valley*
* *Deeds of the Disturber*
* *The Last Camel Died at Noon*
* *The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog*
* *The Hippopotamus Pool*
* *Seeing a Large Cat*
* *The Ape Who Guards the Balance*
* *Guardian of the Horizon*
* *A River in the Sky*
* *The Falcon at the Portal*
* *The Painted Queen*
* *He Shall Thunder in the Sky*
* *Lord of the Silent*
* *The Golden One*
* *Children of the Storm*
* *The Serpent on the Crown*
* *Tomb of the Golden Bird*

## Telling Descriptions

"Despite his illness his hair was healthy-looking – thick and black and a little wavy where it curled over his collar. The movement of the muscles of his back, under his thin shirt, was interesting to a student of anatomy." Amelia Peabody in *Crocodile on the Sandbank*

In professional matters Emerson is the greatest archaeologist of this, and perhaps any, age. It is only in the routine aspects of life that he displays a normal degree of masculine incompetence. - Amelia Peabody in *The Curse of the Pharaohs*

I see that I have digressed. I do not apologize. The complex nobility of Emerson's character is worthy of an even longer digression. - Amelia Peabody in *Lion in the Valley*

Emerson led the way as was his habit, perched on a minuscule donkey. If he had straightened his legs and stood up, the donkey could have walked right through them, but Emerson pictures himself on such occasions as mounted on a fiery horse leading his troops into battle. I would not for all the world have spoiled his innocent pleasure by pointing out that a man of six-foot odd looks ridiculous on donkeyback. - Amelia Peabody

Emerson is under the fond delusion that he can tiptoe. - Amelia Peabody in *Deeds of the Disturber*

I am sure Papa is in no danger, Ramses. And even if he were—which, as I say, I consider unlikely—he is capable of defending himself with the utmost skill and energy. - Amelia Peabody in *Deeds of the Disturber*

Emerson’s face took on the pensive, dreamy look few of his acquaintances are privileged to see. He likes to be thought of as a strictly rational man, who sneers at idle fancies, but in reality the dear fellow is as sensitive and sentimental as women are purported to be (though in my experience women are far more practical than men). - Amelia Peabody in *The Last Camel Died at Noon*

He fell silent; gazing at his stern, strong profile, I felt a sympathetic thrill, for he seemed to be looking not across distance but across time itself. No wonder he felt a kinship with the bold men who had brave the wilderness so many centuries before. He too possessed the unique combination of courage and imagination that leads the noblest sons (and daughters) of humanity to risk all for the sake of knowledge! - Amelia Peabody

To the readers who have encountered my distinguished husband, in the flesh or in the pages of my earlier works, it will come as no surprise to learn that he reacted to the camel’s death as if the animal had committed suicide for the sole purpose of inconveniencing him. - Amelia Peabody in *The Last Camel Died at Noon*

“Professor Emerson is not only the bravest of men, he is one of the most intelligence. No doubt your weaker wits are unable to follow the shrewd reasoning that guides his every action. I will brook no criticism of my husband, Mr. Forthright--especially from you.” - Amelia Peabody in *The Last Camel Died at Noon*

## Achievements

Your Royal Highnesses, gentlemen and—er—ladies. Allow me to introduce myself. Professor Radcliffe Archibald Emerson, M.A. Ox., Fellow of the Royal Society, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Member of the American Philosophical Society. - The Last Camel Died at Noon

## Another Shirt Ruined

### The Curse of the Pharaohs

At least change your shirt, will you, please? That one is ruined. -Amelia Peabody

### The Last Camel Died at Noon

Emerson pushed a pair of spears aside and hurried to me. “What an anticlimax,” he remarked. “Here, Peabody, don’t faint of anything of that sort. We must continue to keep up appearances.”

“I have no intention of doing anything so absurd,” I assured him.

“Then stop mumbling into my collarbone and let go my shirt.”

I wiped my eyes on the remains of that garment before I complied. “Another shirt ruined, Emerson! You are so hard on them.”

“I seem to have ruined another shirt,” remarked Emerson, as I reached for him. “Not my fault this time, Peabody.”

“I cannot complain, my dear, when your rents and your wounds were incurred in our defense.”

“Don’t fuss, Peabody.”

### The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog

**Amelia**: Another shirt ruined.

**Emerson**: Not to mention my face. What were you shooting at?

**Amelia**: Mohammed, of course.

**Emerson**: You missed by a good six yards.

**Amelia**: The shot achieved the desired effect.

**Emerson**: He got away.

**Amelia**: I resent the implied criticism.