The Pharaoh's Shadow : Travels in Ancient and Modern Epypt

by Anthony Sattin

In a ruined temple along the Nile, Anthony Sattin came across a woman praying to the gods of ancient Egypt to bless her with a child. Later the same day, a policeman stopped his taxi to ask if he had a mobile phone - he wanted to call his mother. These encounters encapsulated the Egyptian while undoubtedly forward-looking, Egyptians are obsessed with their long and well-documented past. Europeans, Turks, Mamelukes, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Jews, Christians and Muslims have all left their mark; but older than them all are the surviving customs of Ancient Egypt, from fertility rituals and funerary rites to the cult of saints, snake-charmers and magicians.

Genres: Egypt, Travel

Paperback

First published April 6, 2000

About the author

Anthony Sattin (1956- ) is a British journalist, broadcaster and travel writer. His main area of interest is the Middle East and Africa, particularly Egypt.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

It pays to take note of other titles listed by a publisher at the back of their books. I came across this one that way, buying it recently as part of a Kindle ebook promotional period.

Initially, I had some doubts as I'm honestly not that interested in ancient gods, but as it contained modern travel I figured "Why not?" Turned to be excellent travel writing with the ancient Egyptian past explained where necessary, but never deep in those weeds. The author succeeds in his quest to discover links between now and then.

Many of us have read the Amelia Peabody mystery series featuring that brilliant Edwardian archeologist. Here, Sattin goes on the trails of two such women whose papers give him encouraging clues.

I was surprised to learn that Copts embrace their pharonic roots, seeing the story of Osiris (I think it was) as the first sign of monotheism. He also goes into the veneration of saints (Christian and Muslim) as related practices. To be fair, he does encounter Egyptians who scoff at his quest.

My loyal readers know travel narrative is my favorite genre. So, to exceed expectations doesn't happen often; I'm quite picky. I'd place Sattin up there with Bryson, Theroux and Newby. It did help that he's fluent enough in Arabic to get beyond the world of academics.

Highly recommended!

[Tonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this while I was in Egypt and finished it off as I flew back to London. He travelled and worked hard to meet people to see if the old Egypt was still alive in a new, modern Egypt. He finds connections the magical, child bearing, old religious beliefs, etc. A wonderful read if you want to see a culture bring its past into its present.

[Wendy]

Disappointing.