Customer Reviews

Egypt

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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I bought this book while I was living in Egypt and used it as a tour guide when I wandered independently around the country. It gave the fullest descriptions I have seen anywhere of the antiquities and of the Islamic sights. It enabled me to explore with confidence that I would not get lost, and would find all the places of note.

It is compact - easy to carry in a rucksac or bicycle saddlebag. It survived the travelling well - just keeping it in a plastic bag to prevent too much sand and dust getting between the pages.

The maps were still sufficiently current to get you there, the plans of the monuments were excellent, and made sure every recess was findable.

I would recommend it to any independent traveller, even if now in an armchair. It is a pleasure to read as well as to use as a guide book.

If you're planning a trip to Egypt, down the Nile, or even if you're just a scholar or Egyptian buff, you can do no better than this guide. As my review's title says, this is The Preeminent Guide to Egypt. At 495 pages, it's quite comprehensive, and, there's numerous drawings of temples, and multi-fold pullouts. You just don't see this kind of guide anymore. For example, if your Egyptian guide takes you to the Temple of Khons, simply turn to page 278 and you will find a diagram of the temple from overhead, as well as a description of each portion of it, all clearly labeled. It also includes a concise but helpful English-Egyptian dictionary, and a primer on Heirglyphics, and much more. Writers who write about Egypt should also have a copy of this book in their library, it will be indispensable to you. Enjoy.