These vivid and sympathetic descriptions of life in Egypt by a Victorian gentlewoman were first published in 1875.

From travellers whose course of wild adventure and whose manifold and uncommon gifts put a pressure upon the reader in following them, similar to that felt by them in exploring, it is very delightful to turn to so small and readable, but fresh and pleasant a volume, as Lady Duff Gordon's. The scenes she visits and describes are supposed to be well known, but assuredly she has the merit of investing them with all interest very new, arising, principally, from her watchfulness over all human ways, and her own interest in every aspect of human life. The letters are written in a singularly captivating and vigorous English style. They possess the rare virtue of enabling the reader to realize tbe position of the writer and the true aspect of the people.

The book presents a fascinating insight into life in Egypt in 1860. Lucie Duff Gordon was a remarkable woman suffering from tuberculosis. For a number of years, she has had to move to a warmer climate for her health, so she chooses Egypt. Those times, the relations between Egypt and the British Empire were becoming tense. And the locals were not loyal to the English tourists, making huge demands. Lucie Duff Gordon managed to become a member of the community. She surrounded herself with some wonderful people, who stayed loyal for the rest of her life, and started to learn the language. Although she wasn't particularly wealthy, she was still generous to those who needed her aid. This wonderful account of her travels and an unusual view on Egypt, its life, and culture in the middle of the Victorian era.

Reproduction of the original: Lady Duff Gordon’s Letters from Egypt by Janet Ross

A collection of letters written during a journey to Egypt describing the author's views on the country and its history and people

Mary Whately's letters offer a fascinating insight into life in Egypt in 1879, and will prove to be an invaluable addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the people, customs, culture and climate of Egypt in this period. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.