The Nile: A Journey Downriver Through Egypt's Past and Present Hardcover – Deckle Edge, June 10, 2014

Enjoyed every minute of this great book. Highly recommend to anyone who loves history. The Nile is a fascinating historical story.

Read prior to trip to Egypt-good background, was easy to read and interesting without being too granular as some of his other books are(they are very in depth but 3000 years of history!)good intro 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.

Badly printed and unfortunately none of the measurements are metric! Otherwise we love the narrative style and the romantic descriptions. It’s a great source for Egypt lovers and a must have! Perhaps the paper back edition was not a good choice, looks like old photocopies… the blurry photos! Otherwise the information is great, although visually not appealing.

Very helpful with basic info as well as more sophisticated information.

Not a ‘dry’ history book. Written to be enjoyable reading. I bought it to bone up on Egypt prior to a Nile cruise. Glad I did.

I just got back from Egypt and it was a real pleasure to read Mr. Wilkinson’s book, it was like reliving my travels. I wish I had had it with me on my trip as there are lovely little nuggets of information throughout the book. It is written in an entertaining way and brought back memories of Egypt; especially the Call to prayer at 5 am at the Winter Palace Hotel. As an anthropologist I admired his travels. The book is really well written. If you are going to Egypt, take this book with you.

Not as good as Rise and Fall of Egypt. After reading that I was disappointed in this book.

A well-written and highly engaging blend of some of the essential history and the writer's experiences of today's Egypt. I read it before setting off on my first Nile cruise and kept dipping back into it with great pleasure as we visited the different places. I shall enjoy going back to it again, as a vivid reminder of a wonderful experience.

Clear down to earth language describing many areas of the Nile with historical backgrounds & stories to make it come alive