The Valley of the Kings and the Theban Tombs Reviews

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt stretches for 1,000 kilometers from Sallum in the west to Rafah in the east, exhibiting a variety of littoral landscapes—rocky shores and white sand beaches where the Western Desert meets the sea, low-lying wetlands along the edge of the Nile Delta, and rolling dunes in northern Sinai. Along the way are Egypt’s second city, Alexandria, the battlefield of al-Alamein, and the historic town of Rashid. With this new fully revised edition of their popular guide, Jenny Jobbins and Mary Megalli traverse the entire coast, guiding the curious visitor on what to see and what to know, where to swim and where to stay, how to get there and how to get around. The guide is an informative companion for all travelers, whether their interest lies in sightseeing or nostalgia-seeking, archaeology or birdwatching. It offers information on recent excavations, submerged antiquities, places of interest, museums, hotels, and restaurants, as well as a comprehensive history of the coastal region and facts about its geography, wildlife, and natural environment. Detailed route and travel information are included for motorists, as are listings of bus, rail, and air services. Illustrated with detailed maps and 30 color photographs—and now revised with the most up-to-date information and practical advice—this convenient guidebook is an ideal companion for anyone traveling to this multifaceted region of Egypt.

Reptiles and amphibians are among Egypt’s most successful wildlife, found in almost every habitat in the country, from homes to fields and the desert itself. For the first time, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt provides concise, reliable, and up-to-date information on all of Egypt’s principal species, with detailed material on their taxonomy, identification, natural history, and ecology. Based on fifteen years of fieldwork, this guide is a valuable tool for experts and amateurs alike in the identification, study, and conservation of these fascinating animals. With an easy-to-use key, high-quality maps, and over 100 color illustrations, this field guide covers 110 species—including tortoises and turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles—found in Egypt. Each entry contains concise information about the species, including English, Latin, and Arabic names; world and Egypt distribution; distinguishing features; habitat and ecology; behavior; and conservation status. Included too are line drawings to illustrate key identification features and differences between species. With a comprehensive bibliography for further research, the guide supplies the accuracy and scientific rigor that scientists look for, while providing an accessible approach for generalists and amateurs. For biologists, nature lovers, and anyone interested in Egypt’s rich natural heritage, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt is an ideal reference tool.