
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
1889Authors

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)...
Books by Amelia B. EdwardsDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Colloquia Familiaria by Desiderius Erasmus
Colloquia Familiaria is a collection of Latin dialogues written by Desiderius Erasmus. First published in 1518 and expanded until 1533, it is consider...

National Geographic Magazine Vol. 07 - 02. February 1896 by National Geographic Society
This volume of the National Geographic Magazine from February 1896 delves into various aspects of geography and exploration in Central and Latin Ameri...

American Catholic Quarterly Volume 1 by Various
“American Catholic Quarterly” was a magazine published from 1876 to 1924. Founded by Herman J. Heuser and James A. Corcoran, the magazine focused on a...

The Book of the Ancient Greeks by Dorothy Mills
In the mesmerizing world of ancient Greece, secrets lie waiting to be unraveled, and legends are born from the pages of history. Step into this captiv...

Rambles in New Zealand by John Carne Bidwill
In this, Bidwill shares his experiences of exploring the country's vast wilderness, including the rugged mountains, dense forests, and pristine rivers...

The New Jerusalem by Gilbert K. Chesterton
The New Jerusalem is a book by the English author and journalist G. K. Chesterton. Dale Ahlquist calls it a "philosophical travelogue" of Chesterton's...

Greek and Roman Ghost Stories by Lacy Collison-Morley
This book delves into the realm of ghostly tales from ancient Greece and Rome, comparing and contrasting the narratives of these two powerful civiliza...

Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither by Isabella L. Bird
Isabella L. Bird's "The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither" recounts her adventurous journey through the Malay Peninsula in the late 19th century....

Palmetto Leaves by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Palmetto Leaves is a collection of essays written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, the celebrated author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. These essays document her obse...

Odes and Carmen Saeculare by Quintus Horatius Flaccus
The *Odes* and *Carmen Saeculare* are collections of poetry written by Quintus Horatius Flaccus, better known as Horace, a prominent Roman poet of the...
Reviews for A Thousand Miles up the Nile
No reviews posted or approved, yet...