by RobertTignor (Author)
This is a sweeping, colorful, and concise narrative history of Egypt from the beginning of human settlement in the Nile River valley 5000 years ago to the present day. Accessible, authoritative, and richly illustrated, this is an ideal introduction and guide to Egypt's long, brilliant, and complex history for general readers, tourists, and anyone else who wants a better understanding of this vibrant and fascinating country, one that has played a central role in world history for millennia - and that continues to do so today. Respected historian Robert Tignor, who has lived in Egypt at different times over the course of five decades, covers all the major eras of the country's ancient, modern, and recent history. A cradle of civilization, ancient Egypt developed a unique and influential culture that featured a centralized monarchy, sophisticated art and technology, and monumental architecture in the form of pyramids and temples. But the great age of the pharaohs is just the beginning of the story and Egypt: A Short History also gives a rich account of the tumultuous history that followed - from Greek and Roman conquests, the rise of Christianity, Arab-Muslim triumph, and Egypt's incorporation into powerful Islamic empires to Napoleon's 1798 invasion, the country's absorption into the British Empire, and modern, postcolonial Egypt under Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak. This book provides an indispensable key to Egypt in all its layers - ancient and modern, Greek and Roman, and Christian and Islamic.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 363
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 08 Oct 2010
ISBN 10: 0691147639
ISBN 13: 9780691147635
Book Overview: From Hyksos chariots to Egypt's latest venture in the desert, Egypt: A Short History is vintage Robert Tignor: concise, straightforward, and comprehensive. He manages to introduce primers on the sects of Islam, the trajectory of the Ottoman Empire, and other subjects ranging well beyond Egypt. And he gives fair warning: if you want to be mummified, your brain will be drawn out through your nose. -- John Waterbury, American University of Beirut This is a masterpiece. In simple and accessible prose, Robert Tignor builds on his long and deep familiarity with Egyptian history, politics, and economy. The reader comes away with an understanding of what propels Egyptian history over the ages, and an appreciation of the key questions that beleaguer modern Egypt. This book will be of enormous value for general readers, students, and tourists. -- Khaled Fahmy, New York University It's rare to get the entire history of Egypt between the covers of one book, but that is what this book does, providing a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable sweep through Egyptian history. Robert Tignor is a great historian and this marvelous book displays his tremendous skill, experience, and knowledge. -- J. G. Manning, Yale University