A Short History of Modern Egypt [Paperback]

Afaf Lutfi al-Sayyid Marsot (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521272343 | ISBN-13: 978-0521272346 | Publication Date: August 30, 1985

The history of Egypt from the Arab conquest in 639 to the present day introduces the reader to the central paradox of Egyptian identity - the alienation of the Egyptian from his rulers, who until 1952 were foreigners, and the continuity of an area with fixed boundaries which has existed for millenia. The first three chapters deal with the Arab conquest, the age of the mamluks and Egypt's incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, while the later part of the book examines the early development of the modern state under Muhammad Ali, the liberal experiment after 1922, the Nasser years and the legacy Nasser bequeathed to his successors, Sadat and Mubarak. The author has now updated the volume to consider Egypt's role in the Gulf War and the ways in which the government has dealt with an increase in terrorism. Now that President Mubarak has been elected for a third term, the author asks if a new, more liberal direction is possible in the face of continuing uncertainty.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A Short History of Modern Egypt is an excellent short book. In under l50 pages, Professor Afaf Marsot has managed to give a coherent picture of Egypt since the Arab-Muslim conquest in the year AD 639 ... (she) has told the story of Egypt very ably indeed.' James Piscatori, American Arab Affairs

Book Description

Begins with an examination of the Arab conquest, the age of the Mamluks, and incorporation into the Ottoman Empire and continues with the early development of the modern state under Muhammad Ali, the liberal experiment after 1922, through the Nasir years and the problems of his successors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (August 30, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521272343
• ISBN-13: 978-0521272346
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,214,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction, October 8, 2011

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a reader from Bethesda (Bethesda MD) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Short History of Modern Egypt (Paperback)

The one review posted before this one states very incorrectly that there is no analysis or theme -- this is simply untrue. At the very outset, on the first page of the preface, the author describes themes and overarching insights drawn from the study of Egyptian history.
I learned a great deal from this 147 page book. It covers the last 1400 years or so of Egyptian history in a pleasantly phrased and lucid text. I had some knowledge of the subject but it was skimpy and full of holes before I read this. The book filled in the gaps and answered questions I had wondered about. I was especially grateful for the chapter on the Mamluks--it illuminated a period about which it is difficult to find a good general overview.
It is a fast read but does not condescend.
One gets a lot of value for the time put in to reading it!

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars CONCISE AND NOTHING ELSE, September 9, 2000

By 

Robert (Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Short History of Modern Egypt (Paperback)

This book is more of a historical guide to the modern history of Egypt than a "history" itself. The (selected) facts and persona are taken in a chronological succession, being merely described but not analysed in-depth. So that it is only helpful as a resource for checking dates and names, but it is just disappointing as for the actual historical, political and social forces that gave form to present-day Egypt, her position in contemporary world and her most accute problems (among which the "identity"-problem: Muslim or Western Egypt?).