Alexandria

'I came fully equipped with the old prejudice that anything to do with Egypt involved corruption and deceit.' AD 77. Egypt was the destination of choice for Roman tourists, being home to not one but two Wonders of the Ancient World, a Centre of Culture, and people with exotic habits. Unfortunately, when Marcus Didius Falco pays a visit he discovers it's also a hotbed of schemers and murderers. When the Head Librarian dies in suspicious circumstances, the Roman authorities are only too happy to dump the case on one of the Empire's most celebrated investigators - all adding up to a typical Falco family vacation.

'I came fully equipped with the old prejudice that anything to do with Egypt involved corruption and deceit.' AD 77. Egypt was the destination of choice for Roman tourists, being home to not one but two Wonders of the Ancient World, a Centre of Culture, and people with exotic habits. Unfortunately, when Marcus Didius Falco pays a visit he discovers it's also a hotbed of schemers and murderers. When the Head Librarian dies in suspicious circumstances, the Roman authorities are only too happy to dump the case on one of the Empire's most celebrated investigators - all adding up to a typical Falco family vacation.

With a novelist's pen, Forster brings to life the fabled, romantic city of Alexander the Great, capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt, beacon of light and culture symbolised by the Pharos, where the doomed love affair of Antony and Cleopatra was played out and the greatest library the world has ever known was built. In the autumn of 1915, in a 'slightly heroic mood', E.M. Forster arrived in Alexandria, full of lofty ideals as a volunteer for the Red Cross. Yet most of his time was spent exploring 'the magic, antiquity and complexity' of the place in order to cope with living in what he saw as a 'funk-hole'. Threading 3,000 years of history with vibrant strands of literature and punctuating the narrative with his own experiences, Forster immortalised Alexandria in this book, painting an incomparable portrait of the great city and, inadvertently, himself.

With a novelist's pen, Forster brings to life the fabled, romantic city of Alexander the Great, capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt, beacon of light and culture symbolised by the Pharos, where the doomed love affair of Antony and Cleopatra was played out and the greatest library the world has ever known was built. In the autumn of 1915, in a 'slightly heroic mood', E.M. Forster arrived in Alexandria, full of lofty ideals as a volunteer for the Red Cross. Yet most of his time was spent exploring 'the magic, antiquity and complexity' of the place in order to cope with living in what he saw as a 'funk-hole'. Threading 3,000 years of history with vibrant strands of literature and punctuating the narrative with his own experiences, Forster immortalised Alexandria in this book, painting an incomparable portrait of the great city and, inadvertently, himself.

A SUNDAY TIMES AND TLS BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Fascinating and important' Natalie Haynes, author of Stone Blind 'Monumental and vividly imagined' Daily Telegraph 'Wonderfully entertaining' Sunday Times 'Lively and engrossing ' Literary Review On a sparsely populated Egyptian coastline, Alexander the Great sketched his vision of a metropolis into the sand. Situated on the cusp of three continents, it became the city where Greeks and Egyptians, Romans and Jews created a global knowledge capital that changed the face of philosophy, religion and science forever. In this sweeping biography of the great city, Islam Issa takes us on a fascinating journey across millennia. Rich in big ideas, brutal tragedies and distinctive characters, Alexandria tells the gripping story of a city that has shaped our modern world. 'A multifaceted history of an enthralling city' Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, author of Persians: The Age of the Great Kings 'A cornucopia of fascinating details, every page revealing a new delight' Paul Strathern, author of The Medici

A SUNDAY TIMES AND TLS BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Fascinating and important' Natalie Haynes, author of Stone Blind 'Monumental and vividly imagined' Daily Telegraph 'Wonderfully entertaining' Sunday Times 'Lively and engrossing ' Literary Review On a sparsely populated Egyptian coastline, Alexander the Great sketched his vision of a metropolis into the sand. Situated on the cusp of three continents, it became the city where Greeks and Egyptians, Romans and Jews created a global knowledge capital that changed the face of philosophy, religion and science forever. In this sweeping biography of the great city, Islam Issa takes us on a fascinating journey across millennia. Rich in big ideas, brutal tragedies and distinctive characters, Alexandria tells the gripping story of a city that has shaped our modern world. 'A multifaceted history of an enthralling city' Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, author of Persians: The Age of the Great Kings 'A cornucopia of fascinating details, every page revealing a new delight' Paul Strathern, author of The Medici

Explore the captivating history and enduring allure of Alexandria with E.M. Forster's "Alexandria: A History and a Guide." This meticulously crafted guidebook delves into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient Egyptian city, offering a comprehensive overview of its past. From its founding by Alexander the Great to its pivotal role in the Hellenistic world and beyond, discover Alexandria's fascinating story. Forster expertly blends historical narrative with insightful observations, making this more than just a travel companion; it's a journey through time. Perfect for history enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone with an interest in ancient civilizations, this guide provides a window into the heart of Alexandria. Uncover the secrets of this legendary city and gain a deeper understanding of its lasting impact on history. A timeless classic, this book offers an unparalleled exploration of Alexandria's historical and cultural significance. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Alexandria was one of the most important cities of the ancient world, with achievements in the arts, sciences and religion. For the first time the author seeks to understand the wider picture, the longer period of evolution as a city, as both an urban concept and a literary and historical ideal.

Alexandria was one of the most important cities of the ancient world, with achievements in the arts, sciences and religion. For the first time the author seeks to understand the wider picture, the longer period of evolution as a city, as both an urban concept and a literary and historical ideal.

Explore the captivating history and enduring allure of Alexandria with E.M. Forster's "Alexandria: A History and a Guide." This meticulously crafted guidebook delves into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient Egyptian city, offering a comprehensive overview of its past. From its founding by Alexander the Great to its pivotal role in the Hellenistic world and beyond, discover Alexandria's fascinating story. Forster expertly blends historical narrative with insightful observations, making this more than just a travel companion; it's a journey through time. Perfect for history enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone with an interest in ancient civilizations, this guide provides a window into the heart of Alexandria. Uncover the secrets of this legendary city and gain a deeper understanding of its lasting impact on history. A timeless classic, this book offers an unparalleled exploration of Alexandria's historical and cultural significance. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.