Egypt

(Hardback)

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Description

This handbook provides an overview of the society, culture, geography, history, and politics of contemporary Egypt. While such historic monuments as the pyramids at Giza, the Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings draw visitors to Egypt each year, the country is today a large and varied collection of some 79 million people. An important political and cultural force in the Middle East and home to one of Africa's most advanced economies, Egypt is rapidly becoming a major player in the 21st-century world. This comprehensive text examines all facets of life in Egypt, including its land, history, politics, and culture. It is written in a manner that makes the subject accessible and engaging for readers with little prior knowledge about the country, but also provides a critical analysis of the latest research for students and scholars familiar with Egypt and its people. Special attention is given to the historical period following the rise of Islam to enable a greater understanding of Egypt's contemporary government, religious practices, popular culture, and current events.

Reviews

Should become a useful companion for students and scholars of the region. Recommended. * Choice *
A remarkable coverage, Russell's survey of Egyptian history, economy, and culture intrigues with its fact-filled introduction to a long-lived North African country. . . . Overall, a valuable resource suited to high school, public, and community college libraries. * Booklist *
This reviewer highly recommends this overview of Egypt for all libraries. It covers the panoramic history and provides an update on all aspects of Egypt, as a crossroad of the world as well as a key player in the world and regional geopolitics, particularly in the Palestinian-Arab-Israeli conflict. * ARBA *

Author Bio

Mona Russell is associate professor of modern Middle East history at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, where she specializes in the history of women and gender in Egypt.