Historical Dictionary of Egypt

This meticulous reference work will, like its precursors, become a valuable reference tool for everyone who needs accurate and timely information about Egypt, one of the most important countries in today's Middle East. Written by an established research scholar and an experienced reference librarian, this third edition includes maps of the country, a chronology of major historical events from the Arab conquest to the current Middle East crisis, a general historical synopsis, the actual dictionary, a comprehensive bibliography of books and articles in Arabic as well as in English and French, a table of Egyptian weights and measures, a listing of old and new military ranks in the Egyptian armed services, and a list of rulers and heads of government from 1878 to the present. The actual dictionary contains biographical entries on Egyptians and foreigners who have played a major role in Egypt's modern history, as well as entries explaining the country's major political and religious movements, professions, economic activities, forms of industrial production, leading agricultural products, irrigation, means of transport and communications, social organizations, feminist movements, educational institutions, significant historical incidents, relationships with neighboring states and with foreign military occupations, nationalist revolutions, minorities and foreign communities, and forms of literary and cultural expression (including cinema, drama, and the visual arts). Many new entries reflect events that have taken place or concerns that have arisen since the publication of the second edition in 1994. Every scholar and journalist specializing in the Middle East and all reference libraries need to have a copy of this comprehensive work about modern Egypt. Back cover copy: Throughout the ages, Egypt has been a key to Africa and the Middle East. That was true in the past and is still true today, although EgyptOs influence and role have varied over time. During the modern period, it was ruled by a series of often dynamic governors, until it fell under the British empire, only to be restored to independence and become once again a regional leader under Jamal Abd al-Nasir. His successors, Anwar-al Sadat, and even more so, Husni Mubarak, have been more concerned with economic development and internal matters, but this strategically located country with its large population could never be ignored. This Historical Dictionary of Egypt, Third Edition covers Egypt's past two-and-a-half centuries, and concentrates most on the past half century of independence. Thoroughly updated to include significant events over the past decade, it remains a particularly valuable reference tool for anyone who needs accurate and timely information, with its many entries on significant persons, places, and institutions; a chronology and introduction that reach far back in time; and a substantial bibliography. This third expanded edition was written by Arthur Goldschmidt, Jr., and Robert Johnson. Dr. Goldschmidt is Professor Emeritus of Middle East History at the Pennsylvania State University, and the author of numerous articles and several books on Egypt. He has visited Egypt frequently. His coauthor, Robert Johnson, is Associate Dean of Libraries and Learning Technologies at the American University in Cairo, Egypt.