Customer Reviews

Islamic Monuments in Cairo: The Practical Guide

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Caroline Williams has set the standard for all future books dealing with Cairo's Islamic heritage. Each chapter covers a specific area in medieval Cairo and starts with a list of the structures to be discussed. The buildings are ranked according to quality - a feature that tourists with limited time will find invaluable. The book reads easily and in addition to describing the architectural features of the mosques, palaces and madrasas goes on to give a brief history of each monument's builder. Detailed and accurate maps are given at the end of the book. An introductory chapter describing the features of Islamic architecture in general is included. However, if you're looking for a book of photographs this is not it.

Given the often lightweight nature of 'guidebooks', Carolone Williams' guide is a real breath of fresh air. It is not an academic tome but instead is written in a way that informs and instructs newcomers about Cairo's wonderful heritage of Islamic Architecture. The maps are useful, though occasionally confusing, and the index takes a while to get to grips with but overall it is a thoroughly useful addition to the world of guide books. I look forward to future additions - perhaps including some of Nicholas Warner's superb maps and isometric drawings.