Parting the Desert (Magill’s Literary Annual 2004)
At a glance:
- Author: Zachary Karabell
- First Published: 2003
- Type of Work: History
- Time of Work: The nineteenth century, especially 1854- 1869
- Setting: Primarily Egypt, with numerous events in Paris, London, and Istanbul
- Principal Characters: Ferdinand de Lesseps, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Said Pasha, Ismail Pasha, Lord Palmerston, Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie, Barthélemy-Prosper Enfantin, Boghos Nubar Nubarian
- Genres: Nonfiction, History
- Subjects: Politics, France or French people, Nineteenth century, Paris, Rivers or waterways, London, Ships, Egypt or Egyptians, Middle East, Shipping, Boats or boating, Diplomacy or diplomats, International relations, Architecture or architects, Construction or construction workers, Canals, Excavations
- Locales: Paris, France, London, England, Egypt, Istanbul, Turkey
Zachary Karabell’s Parting the Desert is a well-written and scholarly account of how one of the most important waterways in human history was conceived and constructed. Karabell concentrates on the ideas and activities of Ferdinand de Lesseps and the other prominent persons involved in the project, but his narration also provides abundant information about geography, cultural factors, political intrigue, and engineering problems. Throughout the book, Karabell demonstrates the extent to which the project was closely intertwined with the rivalries of the European powers within...
[The entire page is 2118 words long]
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