The Nile: Travelling Downriver Through Egypt's Past and Present (Vintage Departures) Paperback – March 3, 2015 by Toby Wilkinson (IBRTRavelBooks)

A Great Introduction to Travel to Egypt

A readable and most interesting book. It narrates the author's boat voyage on the river Nile from the Cataracts at the southern-most part of Egypt to its capital Cairo. Perhaps one might say, it is a leisure- travelogue, written from the perspective of a modern Egyptologist, who combines his knowledge of Egypt's past history, with insightful observations on some of its historical sites, towns, and cities; coupled with the author's views, understanding, and notions of the recent developments in Egypt. One however can't help but note some speculative views in reading some observations on contemporary Egypt, e.g. he correctly describes the city of Qena as an area, which has historically flourished and benefited from east-west trade through Egypt. He seems however to believe this trade might have influenced a local culture, or perhaps subculture, that leans more towards independence, secretiveness, and self-sufficiency. This might or might not be true; however linking these "perceived" cultural influences to the observed cleanliness of the area, perhaps might be more of a stretch. The author provides a well-balanced review for many anecdotal episodes of Egypt's past history, and should also be credited with including some important though more often forgotten episodes, e.g. he notes the almost- unknown and forgotten last "true ancient Egyptian" Pharaoh of Egypt, Ankhwennefer, who attempted against great odds to regain Egypt's independence from the Ptolemaic "Greek" kings circa 186 BC, he also notes another "true ancient Egyptian" from the 3rd - 4th century AD, Saint Anthony the Great (251-356 AD), who embraced the Christian faith, led an exemplary ascetic life, and became the Father of Christian monasticism, which influenced Christendom all over the world, he also narrates his visit, as a young man, to a Coptic Orthodox Church in Minya, where he seems to have been pleasantly surprised to hear some of the sounds of the ancient Egyptian language, still preserved in the Coptic Church's liturgy, ...etc. All in all the book provides an entertaining and informative read of Egypt's past and present, and perhaps it might even inspire a traveler, not only to visit Egypt, but also enjoy a leisurely cruise over the Nile.