Man of Defiance: A Political Biography of Anwar Sadat

by Raphael Israeli

Traces the life and political career of Egypt's late president, discusses the evolution of his values and philosophy, and assesses his effectiveness in leading Egypt

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well thought out biography that puts a human face on the historical figure of Anwar Sadat. It covers his rise from anti-British Free Officer to president and signer of the peace treaty with Israel, ending with his assassination in 1981. The author also does a good job of describing the events of the Yom Kippur/October War from the Egyptian perspective. The mentality of the two adversaries is explained and gives an understanding as to why unrest continues to this day. Written long before the fall of Sadat's successor, Mubarak, the book gives clues to the problems that will ultimately lead to the new revolution during the Arab Spring.