The Spell of Egypt

The Spell of Egypt is a 1910 travel book chronicling British author Robert Hichens' journeys through Egypt. During his travels, Hichens documents the monuments, landscapes, and cultural experiences he encounters across the country. The narrative takes readers through major Egyptian sites and cities, from Alexandria to Luxor, describing both ancient ruins and contemporary life. Hichens records his observations of temples, tombs, the Nile River, and the vast desert expanses that define the region. The book combines historical information about Ancient Egypt with personal reflections and encounters during the author's journey. Through detailed descriptions and careful attention to atmosphere, Hichens captures both the physical features and the intangible essence of early 20th century Egypt. The work stands as an example of Orientalist literature from the British colonial period, reflecting Western perspectives on Egyptian culture and antiquity. Its enduring value lies in its snapshot of Egypt during a crucial period of archaeological discovery and cultural exchange between East and West.

Most readers note this 1911 travelogue captures the mystique and atmosphere of early 20th century Egypt, though some find the writing style overly florid and dated. Readers appreciated: - Detailed descriptions of Egyptian monuments and landscapes - First-hand observations of local customs and daily life - Historic perspective on tourism in Egypt before WWI - Poetic passages about the Nile and desert Common criticisms: - Verbose, ornate prose that can be difficult to follow - Cultural biases typical of the colonial era - Limited practical travel information - More focused on mood than historical facts Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (27 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating Sample review: "Beautiful descriptive writing but very much a product of its time. Hichens sees Egypt through a romanticized Western lens." - Goodreads reviewer The book remains in print mainly for its value as a historical document of Western perspectives on Egypt during the early 1900s.

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🔸 During the time Hichens wrote this book (early 1900s), Egypt was experiencing the height of "Egyptomania" - a widespread Western fascination with Egyptian culture sparked by major archaeological discoveries 🔸 Before writing about Egypt, Robert Hichens gained fame for his controversial novel "The Green Carnation" (1894), one of the first English works to openly address homosexuality in Victorian society 🔸 The book's original title "Egypt and Its Monuments" was changed to "The Spell of Egypt" to capitalize on the mystical and romantic appeal that Egyptian culture held for Western readers 🔸 Hichens visited Egypt multiple times between 1900-1907, staying at the famous Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, which was the preferred accommodation for wealthy travelers and archaeologists of the era 🔸 The author's descriptions of Egyptian archaeological sites were so vivid that portions of the book were later used in early 20th century tourist guides to Egypt, particularly for sites along the Nile