Quick, easy, and comprehensive reference to sites of antiquities. Detailed plans and descriptions of all major temples and tombs in Ancient Egypt. Informative, detailed, and illustrated glossary.
Moustafa Gadalla is an Egyptian-American independent Egyptologist, who was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1944. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Cairo University.
Gadalla is the author of twenty two published internationally acclaimed books about the various aspects of the Ancient Egyptian history and civilization and its influences worldwide.
He is the Founder and Chairman of the Tehuti Research Foundation (www.Egypt-Tehuti.org)—an international, U.S.-based, non-profit organization, dedicated to Ancient Egyptian studies. He is also the Founder and Head of the on-line Egyptian Mystical University (www.EgyptianMysticalUniversity.org).
From his early childhood, Gadalla pursued his Ancient Egyptian roots with passion, through continuous study and research. Since 1990, he has dedicated and concentrated all his time to researching and writing.
This guide contains useful information for the visitor to Egypt. With details of demographics, cultural tips, planning the visit and getting around, it also includes descriptions of the many historical sites from Aswan to Alexandria. There are also details about visiting Sinai, the Egyptian Sahara Oases and the Red Sea. I particularly liked the author’s descriptions of what to see at the various sites.
Whilst packed with a wealth of information, it is most probably not detailed enough for the first time visitor and I would suggest it be read alongside other guides.
"Egypt: A Practical Guide" by Moustafa Gadalla is a comprehensive and informative guidebook that offers readers a wealth of practical information about Egypt's rich history, culture, and travel destinations. Gadalla, a renowned author and researcher on Egyptian history and culture, provides readers with a wealth of knowledge and insights that can enhance their travel experience in Egypt.
One of the strengths of this book is its breadth of coverage. Gadalla covers a wide range of topics, including Egypt's ancient history, its pharaohs, gods and goddesses, mythology, language, arts and crafts, architecture, cuisine, customs, and modern-day culture. The book also provides practical information for travelers, such as visa requirements, transportation options, accommodation, safety tips, and recommendations for local guides and tour operators.
Gadalla's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex historical and cultural concepts understandable to readers of all levels of familiarity with Egypt. He presents the information in a well-organized and easy-to-follow manner, using maps, diagrams, and illustrations to enhance the reader's understanding. The book also includes beautiful color photographs that showcase Egypt's stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and cultural treasures, adding to the visual appeal of the book.
One of the unique aspects of this book is Gadalla's focus on the metaphysical and esoteric aspects of Egyptian culture. He delves into topics such as ancient Egyptian spirituality, astrology, numerology, and the symbolism of hieroglyphs, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the metaphysical and symbolic significance of Egypt's ancient heritage.
However, one potential limitation of the book is that it may not be suitable for readers who are seeking an in-depth and scholarly analysis of Egypt's history and culture. Gadalla's approach is more focused on practical information and esoteric aspects, and some readers may find it lacking in academic rigor or depth of analysis.
In conclusion, "Egypt: A Practical Guide" by Moustafa Gadalla is a comprehensive and engaging guidebook that offers readers practical information, insights, and cultural perspectives on Egypt's rich history and culture. It is a valuable resource for travelers who are interested in exploring Egypt's ancient heritage, as well as those who are intrigued by the metaphysical and esoteric aspects of Egyptian culture.