A Traveller's History of Egypt

by Harry Ades, Peter Geissler (Illustrator), Penelope Lively (Foreword by)

Ancient Egypt has gripped the popular imagination like no other country and the lure of its pyramids and the Nile are a magnet for visitors from all over the world. This book provides a concise and fascinating journey from the country’s earliest beginnings right up to the present day. A Traveller’s History of Egypt communicates the magic of the pharaohs alongside a level-headed discussion of Islam for the benefit of modern travellers. The book will span the entire history of Egypt, from the murkiest origins of prehistory right up to the latest developments – all in a style that is as entertaining as it is well-informed. There are few books on the country that attempt this feat, but to do so is perhaps more important today than it has ever been, at a time when an understanding of contemporary Egypt is not merely an advantage for travel there, but a necessity. It will make sense of the major controversies and guide the reader carefully where Egyptologists cannot agree – whether it is the dates of certain kings or the positioning of whole dynasties. A full chronology of major events, a cross-reference historical gazetteer, a list of pharaohs, rulers and presidents, a bibliography, index and historical maps, will add to its accessibility, and afford it the most useful elements of a reference book.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Egypt

452 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Youssouf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that will go over many aspects and history of Egypt (past and recent history). I will re-read this.

[Barbpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg tmi but I finally finished it.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars. A wonderful history book, giving a pleasant overview of Egypt's history.

[Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's impressive with this book is the range and depth of information that is packed away inside. It's quite a feat to be able to fit 5000 years of history, well, actually 33 million years (as it starts from prehistory), into one portable volume. I took this with me when I went to Egypt and it never left my side. Honestly, I could look up anything, and it would have a pithy account which just slotted right into the overall picture of things. As far as I know there's no other book out there that covers Egypt's entire history (and that's quite a lot of ground, believe me!) -- right up to 2006. Incredible really! And it's very readable too. Well done.

[Scilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This overview of the history of Egypt begins with geography about 22,000 years ago and goes through 2002. It covers a lot, and thus was somewhat factual and dry. There are very few illustrations, but several good maps which were very helpful. It is interesting to find out that after it's great civilizations before the time of Christ, that it was ruled by foreigners for over 2000 years until 1956, when the last British soldier left. The back of the book has a nice list of rulers and chronology of events, as well as a glossary and index.

[Sarah Brandel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written background for those traveling to Egypt, especially for those interested in learning more about both ancient and modern history of the country.