Samuel Manning's classic work is indispensable for anyone interested in the history of Egyptology. Arranged in the form of a journey proceeding through Alexandria, Cairo, Assouan and Abu-Simbel, the book contains a wealth of archaeological and historical information.
Manning's prose pulses with the excitement familiar to anyone who has ventured into unexplored territory, whether physically or in his imagination.
Manning has written freshly of scenes and places which are much 'done' by tourists; and now and then, when he is a little more beyond the ordinary track, he is really powerful. He has served a good apprenticeship to work of this kind, and it may be said of him that, while he never sacrifices dignity in retailing the trifling gossip of the journey, he does occasionally cast a very interesting glance into the social conditions of those amongst whom he moves; and sometimes he throws a gleam of humour around the strange, or squalid, or repellent things that he meets.