The Taste of Egypt Reviews

Ancient Egypt: Art and Archaeology covers the breadth and length of the treasures of ancient Egypt without overstretching your budget. Fully illustrated with excellent color photographs and historic prints, this book covers it all: a historical introduction and chronological listing of the pharaohs, the gods of ancient Egypt, the cult of the dead, hieroglyphic writing, travelers and explorers, the birth of modern archaeology, Alexandria, Tanis, the Giza plateau, the Egyptian Museum, Memphis, Saqqara, Dahshur, the oases of the Western Desert, Tell al-Amarna, Abydos, Dendera, Luxor, the temples of Western Thebes, the Theban necropolis, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel and the Nubian temples, Serabit al-Khadem, and even a short section on the Monastery of St. Catherine. With captivating, concise text and hundreds of full-color illustrations, Ancient Egypt is the perfect gift or memento from a visit to Egypt.

The guide described by The New York Times as “indispensable,” newly researched and completely rewritten for 2011, fills a vital niche for expatriates and Cairenes alike who need a helping hand to organize—and enjoy—the challenges of a sojourn in Cairo. The basics of daily life—finding a flat, transporting personal goods, investigating school options for children, navigating Egypt’s famous bureaucracy, and the intricacies of feeding and clothing oneself and one’s family from the local market—are all detailed here. Advice gathered from a wide range of Cairo insiders, both native and foreign, gives the reader a cornucopia of current facts on prices, neighborhoods, product availability, work and business opportunities, and the dizzying range of cultural and leisure pursuits that Cairo is famous for.  Cairo: The Practical Guide, now in its seventeenth edition, is the key to deciphering the complexities of living, working, and enjoying life in one of the world’s most exciting and dauntingly complex mega-cities.