Egypt Guidebooks

An immense reservoir of art history, Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities contains fabulous collections of relics from the Mediterranean’s most mysterious and ancient civilization, the true cradle of western culture. From the creation of the first state on the banks of the Nile to its submission to the Roman empire, the millennial story of ancient Egypt is recounted here through the artistic masterpieces, the everyday objects, the spectacular jewels, and the magnificent remains from the tombs of the pharaohs, all remarkably assembled within the walls of a single institution. Structured as a guide, but fully illustrated with superb color photographs, this book suggests a simple but comprehensive itinerary through the museum, subdividing the tour into chapters devoted to the most important episodes in Egyptian history. Collected during the course of over a century of archaeological excavations, jewelry, tools, toys, models, religious objects, mummies, and monumental sculptures offer vivid glimpses of a formidable civilization. The rich funerary cache of Tutankhamun, the treasures of Tanis, and the jewels of Queen Ahhotep reflect the glory of the Egyptian monarchy, but there are insights too into the day-to-day lives of the more humble sections of society. Previously unpublished photographs and plans alongside texts prepared by the museum curators themselves help readers to penetrate the corridors and halls of the great museum in search of a heritage unique in its richness and variety, following in the footsteps of the great figures in Egyptian history: from the pharaohs, suspended between heaven and earth, to the archaeologists who, with their patient excavations, have helped to shed new light on the land of the pyramids.

An immense reservoir of art history, Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities contains fabulous collections of relics from the Mediterranean’s most mysterious and ancient civilization, the true cradle of western culture. From the creation of the first state on the banks of the Nile to its submission to the Roman empire, the millennial story of ancient Egypt is recounted here through the artistic masterpieces, the everyday objects, the spectacular jewels, and the magnificent remains from the tombs of the pharaohs, all remarkably assembled within the walls of a single institution. Structured as a guide, but fully illustrated with superb color photographs, this book suggests a simple but comprehensive itinerary through the museum, subdividing the tour into chapters devoted to the most important episodes in Egyptian history. Collected during the course of over a century of archaeological excavations, jewelry, tools, toys, models, religious objects, mummies, and monumental sculptures offer vivid glimpses of a formidable civilization. The rich funerary cache of Tutankhamun, the treasures of Tanis, and the jewels of Queen Ahhotep reflect the glory of the Egyptian monarchy, but there are insights too into the day-to-day lives of the more humble sections of society. Previously unpublished photographs and plans alongside texts prepared by the museum curators themselves help readers to penetrate the corridors and halls of the great museum in search of a heritage unique in its richness and variety, following in the footsteps of the great figures in Egyptian history: from the pharaohs, suspended between heaven and earth, to the archaeologists who, with their patient excavations, have helped to shed new light on the land of the pyramids.

An immense reservoir of art history, Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities contains fabulous collections of relics from the Mediterranean’s most mysterious and ancient civilization, the true cradle of western culture. From the creation of the first state on the banks of the Nile to its submission to the Roman empire, the millennial story of ancient Egypt is recounted here through the artistic masterpieces, the everyday objects, the spectacular jewels, and the magnificent remains from the tombs of the pharaohs, all remarkably assembled within the walls of a single institution.

Structured as a guide, but fully illustrated with superb color photographs, this book suggests a simple but comprehensive itinerary through the museum, subdividing the tour into chapters devoted to the most important episodes in Egyptian history. Collected during the course of over a century of archaeological excavations, jewelry, tools, toys, models, religious objects, mummies, and monumental sculptures offer vivid glimpses of a formidable civilization. The rich funerary cache of Tutankhamun, the treasures of Tanis, and the jewels of Queen Ahhotep reflect the glory of the Egyptian monarchy, but there are insights too into the day-to-day lives of the more humble sections of society. Previously unpublished photographs and plans alongside texts prepared by the museum curators themselves help readers to penetrate the corridors and halls of the great museum in search of a heritage unique in its richness and variety, following in the footsteps of the great figures in Egyptian history: from the pharaohs, suspended between heaven and earth, to the archaeologists who, with their patient excavations, have helped to shed new light on the land of the pyramids.

Judging from the evidence available from depictions of daily life on tombs and in historical texts, the ancient Egyptians were just as enthusiastic about good food and generous hospitality as are their descendants today. Magda Mehdawy and Amr Hussein have done extensive research on the cultivation, gathering, preparation, and presentation of food in ancient Egypt and have developed nearly a hundred recipes that will be perfectly recognizable to anyone familiar with modern Egyptian food. Beautifully illustrated with scenes from tomb reliefs, objects and artifacts in museum exhibits, and modern photographs, the recipes are accompanied by explanatory material that describes the ancient home and kitchen, cooking vessels and methods, table manners and etiquette, banquets, beverages, and ingredients. Traditional feasts and religious occasions with their own culinary traditions are described, including some that are still celebrated today. A glossary of ingredients and place names provides a useful guide to unfamiliar terms.

For centuries, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx have been the visible reminders of the power and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Mysterious and irresistible to the eye, these monumental structures—over eighty of which remain, scattered along the west bank of the Nile—evoke the religious system and beliefs of one of the most highly refined and evolved of ancient civilizations. Even today, we don’t entirely understand how they were constructed and what techniques were used, but the most recent research and excavations have thrown new light on life at the building sites and on the daily existence of generations of designers and craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these immense constructions. Replete with full-color photographs and drawings, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a wonderful introduction to these royal monuments. This straightforward text explains the history and significance not only of the famous Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza—the emblems and legacy of the powerful Fourth Dynasty—but also of the lesser-known tombs that stretch from Saqqara to Meidum and Dahshur. The Pyramids and the Sphinx draws on the most recent archaeological findings to lead the reader on a discovery of the most fascinating aspects of Egyptian civilization. Here, too, are the pharaohs who ordered the pyramids’ construction, the treasures found in the most famous tombs, and the men who revealed their secrets. Combining majestic aerial shots with close-up photographs of interior artwork and statuary, this guide offers a close look at some of the most impressive monuments in human history. Also available in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

For centuries, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx have been the visible reminders of the power and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Mysterious and irresistible to the eye, these monumental structures—over eighty of which remain, scattered along the west bank of the Nile—evoke the religious system and beliefs of one of the most highly refined and evolved of ancient civilizations. Even today, we don’t entirely understand how they were constructed and what techniques were used, but the most recent research and excavations have thrown new light on life at the building sites and on the daily existence of generations of designers and craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these immense constructions. Replete with full-color photographs and drawings, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a wonderful introduction to these royal monuments. This straightforward text explains the history and significance not only of the famous Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza—the emblems and legacy of the powerful Fourth Dynasty—but also of the lesser-known tombs that stretch from Saqqara to Meidum and Dahshur. The Pyramids and the Sphinx draws on the most recent archaeological findings to lead the reader on a discovery of the most fascinating aspects of Egyptian civilization. Here, too, are the pharaohs who ordered the pyramids’ construction, the treasures found in the most famous tombs, and the men who revealed their secrets. Combining majestic aerial shots with close-up photographs of interior artwork and statuary, this guide offers a close look at some of the most impressive monuments in human history. Also available in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

For centuries, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx have been the visible reminders of the power and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Mysterious and irresistible to the eye, these monumental structures—over eighty of which remain, scattered along the west bank of the Nile—evoke the religious system and beliefs of one of the most highly refined and evolved of ancient civilizations. Even today, we don’t entirely understand how they were constructed and what techniques were used, but the most recent research and excavations have thrown new light on life at the building sites and on the daily existence of generations of designers and craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these immense constructions. Replete with full-color photographs and drawings, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a wonderful introduction to these royal monuments. This straightforward text explains the history and significance not only of the famous Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza—the emblems and legacy of the powerful Fourth Dynasty—but also of the lesser-known tombs that stretch from Saqqara to Meidum and Dahshur. The Pyramids and the Sphinx draws on the most recent archaeological findings to lead the reader on a discovery of the most fascinating aspects of Egyptian civilization. Here, too, are the pharaohs who ordered the pyramids’ construction, the treasures found in the most famous tombs, and the men who revealed their secrets. Combining majestic aerial shots with close-up photographs of interior artwork and statuary, this guide offers a close look at some of the most impressive monuments in human history. Also available in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

For centuries, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx have been the visible reminders of the power and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Mysterious and irresistible to the eye, these monumental structures—over eighty of which remain, scattered along the west bank of the Nile—evoke the religious system and beliefs of one of the most highly refined and evolved of ancient civilizations. Even today, we don’t entirely understand how they were constructed and what techniques were used, but the most recent research and excavations have thrown new light on life at the building sites and on the daily existence of generations of designers and craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these immense constructions.

Replete with full-color photographs and drawings, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a wonderful introduction to these royal monuments. This straightforward text explains the history and significance not only of the famous Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza—the emblems and legacy of the powerful Fourth Dynasty—but also of the lesser-known tombs that stretch from Saqqara to Meidum and Dahshur. The Pyramids and the Sphinx draws on the most recent archaeological findings to lead the reader on a discovery of the most fascinating aspects of Egyptian civilization. Here, too, are the pharaohs who ordered the pyramids’ construction, the treasures found in the most famous tombs, and the men who revealed their secrets. Combining majestic aerial shots with close-up photographs of interior artwork and statuary, this guide offers a close look at some of the most impressive monuments in human history.

Combining mouthwatering recipes with a fresh, contemporary design, The Taste of Egypt brings the sophisticated colors and flavors of Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine to the modern home kitchen in unpretentious, down-to-earth style. Impress your dinner guests with sublime appetizers such as stuffed-vine leaves and roast eggplant dip. Cook up a storm with silky cumin-infused lentil soup, sensational spiced meatballs, and delicious artichokes cooked in red pepper sauce. There are summery salads to fill a picnic hamper and hearty slow-cooked beans and basterma (fenugreek-spiced cured beef) to evoke the bustling warmth of a Middle Eastern food market. And the recipes for sweet delights are designed to satisfy even the most persistent sweet tooth. Presented in a vibrant, accessible style, The Taste of Egypt is a celebration of a great culinary tradition and an exciting addition to the repertoire of the modern home cook.

An immense reservoir of art history, Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities contains fabulous collections of relics from the Mediterranean’s most mysterious and ancient civilization, the true cradle of western culture. From the creation of the first state on the banks of the Nile to its submission to the Roman empire, the millennial story of ancient Egypt is recounted here through the artistic masterpieces, the everyday objects, the spectacular jewels, and the magnificent remains from the tombs of the pharaohs, all remarkably assembled within the walls of a single institution. Structured as a guide, but fully illustrated with superb color photographs, this book suggests a simple but comprehensive itinerary through the museum, subdividing the tour into chapters devoted to the most important episodes in Egyptian history. Collected during the course of over a century of archaeological excavations, jewelry, tools, toys, models, religious objects, mummies, and monumental sculptures offer vivid glimpses of a formidable civilization. The rich funerary cache of Tutankhamun, the treasures of Tanis, and the jewels of Queen Ahhotep reflect the glory of the Egyptian monarchy, but there are insights too into the day-to-day lives of the more humble sections of society. Previously unpublished photographs and plans alongside texts prepared by the museum curators themselves help readers to penetrate the corridors and halls of the great museum in search of a heritage unique in its richness and variety, following in the footsteps of the great figures in Egyptian history: from the pharaohs, suspended between heaven and earth, to the archaeologists who, with their patient excavations, have helped to shed new light on the land of the pyramids.

Middle Eastern cuisine is renowned the world over for its sophistication, variety, and flavor. Bilhana (Egyptian for ‘bon appétit’) brings a contemporary twist to traditional Middle Eastern dishes with the use of healthy cooking methods and the freshest ingredients the region has to offer. Spanning the vast area south of the Mediterranean from the East (Lebanon and Egypt) to the West (Morocco), from simple mezze or breakfast dishes to elaborate stews and roasts, the recipes in this book showcase the vibrant colors and immense variety of Middle Eastern cooking as well as being easy to follow. Included are recipes for Roasted Eggplant with Tahini, Alexandrian Grilled Shrimp, Shakshuka, Moroccan Lamb Stew, Vegan Moussaka, Green Beans in Garlic and Caramelized Onions, Pomegranate and Guava Salad, and much more. Exquisitely illustrated with more than 130 full-color photographs.

To read an excerpt, click here.

For the Table of Contents, click here.

Traditionally, Egyptian cooking has been best practiced and enjoyed at home, where generations of unrecorded family recipes have been the sustaining repertoire for daily meals as well as sumptuous holiday feasts. Abou El Sid, one of Cairo’s most famous restaurants, has become well known for its authentic Egyptian dishes, and now presents more than fifty of its most classic recipes in a cookbook for the enjoyment of home cooks all over the world.

Egyptians will recognize their favorites, from holiday dishes such as Fettah to the arrays of appetizers like aubergine with garlic, special lentils, and tahina; those new to Middle Eastern food will find the recipes simple and simply delicious, and enjoy the Egyptian table even if they don’t have the heritage of the pharaohs in their family backgrounds.

– 57 authentic Egyptian recipes from starters to main courses to desserts.

– Each recipe illustrated with gorgeous, full color photographs.

– Beautifully designed and visually sumptuous boutique book.