Samuel Morton studied the excavated remains of ancient Egyptians to gain insight into their origins and relation to other ancient ethnic groups, and published these results.

When Morton released his enquiry in 1844, new archaeological finds from Egypt resulted in a surge of interest from scholars and historians. Together with skeletal and mummified remains, a great number of stunning artifacts and hieroglyphic tablets and frescoes were unearthed. Yet the author's interest lies in the physical appearance of the Egyptians; by studying their facial features, skulls, teeth and morphology, Morton hoped to establish their similarities and contrasts to citizens of other nations and geographies in antiquity. Primarily the focus is upon the head, hence this book's title.

How do the Egyptians of yore compare physically to the various peoples of the ancient Near East, of Northern and Central Africa, and of Europe? Do the Egyptians' representations of themselves upon monuments, sculptures and artworks resemble their physical remains? What parts of their bodies did Egyptians value and emphasize most, and in what ways did they express such ideas?

All these questions are answered, in a manner exuding enthusiasm in the-then brand new discoveries.