First published 2014
Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson guides readers along the entire length of the Nile River, from its twin sources to its final destination. He begins at the Blue Nile's origins in Ethiopia and the White Nile's birth at Lake Victoria, then travels downstream through ancient sites that shaped civilization. The journey passes through Thebes with its Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, continues to the fertile Delta region, and stops at Giza where the Great Pyramid stands as the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Wilkinson introduces the gods, pharaohs, emperors, and empresses who built their legacies along the river's banks, as well as the modern adventurers, archaeologists, and historians who fell under the Nile's influence. The expedition concludes in Cairo, where the Arab Spring unfolded on bridges spanning the ancient waterway. Through this geographical and temporal voyage, Wilkinson reveals how the Nile sustained Egyptian civilization for millennia and continues to shape the region today.
Genres: biography, history, adventure, archaeology, africa, ancient-history
Vibes: educational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-narrative, travelogue
Setting: Ethiopia, Lake Victoria, Thebes, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Giza, Cairo
Period: Ancient, Modern
320 pages · Hardcover · Knopf