![Book Cover of A Thousand Miles up the Nile](/image/book/a-thousand-miles-up-the-nile.webp)
A Thousand Miles up the Nile
'A Thousand Miles up the Nile' Summary
A Thousand Miles up the Nile was first published in 1877. The title refers to the approximate distance from Alexandria to the Second Cataract of the Nile river, a journey that the author undertook over the course of a year in Egypt. The narrative opens at the Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, where a motley group of tourists are gathered, either on their way to or from India, English and American tourists, travelers from Belgium, France or Germany and a host of others. The tourists generally stick to the safe itinerary offered by Cook's, but a few like the author prefer to explore on their own.
The book is characterized by long, detailed and elaborate descriptions of places, people, customs and the wonderful market places, historical ruins and artifacts that Edwards and her friends encounter. Momentous journeys to the Pyramids in Cairo and a trip to the shrine in Mecca precede the Nile voyage. They are to travel by “dahabeeyah” a sort of native Egyptian barge, which though much more expensive than the steamers and conventional boats, is much more picturesque, leisurely and offers more time to view the scenery along the majestic river. It is luxuriously furnished, with enough space for a piano and several bookcases. Edwards' tone is often ironic as she pokes gentle fun at the regular English tourists who flock to Egypt.
Bedreshayn, Sakkarah, Memphis, Mineh, Thebes, Karnak, Assuan, Elephantine, Abou Simmel and the tombs of Ramses, the Second Cataract and the return journey are all documented in great detail. They stop at Luxor on the way back and visit the Coptic Church and it is here that they take part in some of the archeological work that is happening in Luxor. They meet scientists and tourists, forgers and sinister crooks. Edwards' tone of compassion for the insensitive way in which ancient mummies are unwrapped and flung aside, how the bounty hunters strip each tomb of its valuables whenever they can and the booming trade in antiquities is both educative and interesting.
A Thousand Miles up the Nile is a wonderful, if slightly dated, travelogue and a great addition to your collection.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1889Author
![Amelia B. Edwards image](/thumbs/image/author/amelia-b-edwards.webp)
Amelia B. Edwards
United Kingdom
Amelia Ann Blanford Edwards also known as Amelia B. Edwards, was an English novelist, journalist, traveller and Egyptologist. Her literary successes included the ghost story "The Phantom Coach" (1864)...
More on Amelia B. EdwardsDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
![On a Chinese Screen Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/on-a-chinese-screen.webp)
On a Chinese Screen by W. Somerset Maugham
It is a series of short sketches Maugham made during a trip along the Yangtze River in 1919–1920, and although ostensibly about China the book is equa...
![A History of England Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/a-history-of-england.webp)
A History of England by Charles William Chadwick Oman
It is a captivating and informative book that takes young readers on a remarkable journey through the rich tapestry of England's past. Written by Oman...
![The National Geographic Magazine Vol. 01 Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-national-geographic-magazine-vol-01.webp)
The National Geographic Magazine Vol. 01 by National Geographic Society
National Geographic (formerly the National Geographic Magazine, sometimes branded as NAT GEO) is the long-lived official monthly magazine of the Natio...
![The Spell of the Hawaiian Islands and the Philippines Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-spell-of-the-hawaiian-islands-and-the-philippines.webp)
The Spell of the Hawaiian Islands and the Philippines by Isabel Anderson
Isabel Anderson has written a most interesting travelogue of Hawaii and The Philippines. Actually it is more of a history lesson. Anyone with any inte...
![Mental and Moral Heredity in Royalty. A Statistical Study in History and Psychology Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/mental-and-moral-heredity-in-royalty-a-statistical-study-in-history-and-psychology.webp)
Mental and Moral Heredity in Royalty. A Statistical Study in History and Psychology by Frederick Adams Woods
Frederick Adams Woods examined the biographical records and family trees of the great dynasties of Europe, judging and comparing their moral standards...
![Scenes in Europe, for the Amusement and Instruction of Little Tarry-at-Home Travellers Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/scenes-in-europe-amusement-tarry-home-travellers.webp)
Scenes in Europe, for the Amusement and Instruction of Little Tarry-at-Home Travellers by Isaac Taylor
Imagine traveling to Europe without leaving your home! Scenes in Europe, for the Amusement and Instruction of Little Tarry-at-Home Travellers by Isaa...
![Malaria: A Neglected Factor in the History of Greece and Rome Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/malaria-a-neglected-factor-in-the-history-of-greece-and-rome.webp)
Malaria: A Neglected Factor in the History of Greece and Rome by William Henry Samuel Jones
It remains a landmark study of the disease's historical and cultural significance. Jones' meticulous research offers a comprehensive understanding of...
![The Indian Today Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-indian-today.webp)
The Indian Today by Charles Eastman
Based in part upon the author's own observations and personal knowledge, it was the aim of the book to set forth the status and outlook of the North A...
![The Book of the Dead Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-book-of-the-dead.webp)
The Book of the Dead by E.A. Wallis Budge
What happens after we die? The Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, provides guidance for the soul on its journey to the afterlife. T...
![The Alps, the Danube and the Near East Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-alps-the-danube-and-the-near-east.webp)
The Alps, the Danube and the Near East by Frank G. Carpenter
It is an enlightening travelogue that explores the rich cultural heritage of Europe and the Middle East. Written by one of the most celebrated travel...
Reviews for A Thousand Miles up the Nile
No reviews posted or approved, yet...