2008 — Leeds Honor Book in Urban Anthropology – Society for Urban, National, and Transnational/Global Anthropology Living in Egypt at the turn of the millennium, cultural anthropologist L. L. Wynn was struck by the juxtapositions of Western, Gulf Arab, and Egyptian viewpoints she encountered. For some, Egypt is the land of mummies and pharaohs. For others, it is a vortex of decadence, where nightlife promises a chance to salivate over belly dancers and maybe even glimpse a movie star. Offering a new approach to ethnography, Pyramids and Nightclubs examines cross-cultural encounters to bring to light the counterintuitive ways in which Egypt is defined. Guiding readers on an armchair journey that introduces us to Russian and Australian belly dancers on Nile cruise ships, Egyptian rumors about an Arab prince and his royal entourage, Saudi girls looking for a less restrictive dating scene, and other visitors to this "antique" land, Wynn uses the lens of travel and tourism to depict a fascinating and often surprising version of Egypt, while exploring the concept of stereotype itself. Tracing the history of Western and Arab fascination with Egypt through spurious hunts for lost civilizations and the new economic disparities brought about by the oil industry, Pyramids and Nightclubs ultimately describes the ways in which moments of cultural contact, driven by tourism and labor migration, become eye-opening opportunities for defining self and other.

Outsiders have long attributed to the Middle East, and especially to ancient Egypt, meanings that go way beyond the rational and observable. The region has been seen as the source of civilization, religion, the sciences and the arts; but also of mystical knowledge and outlandish theories, whether about the Lost City of Atlantis or visits by alien beings. In his exploration of how its past has been creatively interpreted by later ages, Robin Derricourt surveys the various claims that have been made for Egypt - particularly the idea that it harbours an esoteric wisdom vital to the world's survival. He looks at 'alternative' interpretations of the pyramids, from maps of space and time to landing markers for UFOs; at images of the Egyptian mummy and at the popular mythology of the 'pharaoh's curse'; and at imperialist ideas of racial superiority that credited Egypt with spreading innovations and inventions as far as the Americas, Australia and China. Including arcane ideas about the Lost Ten Tribes of biblical Israel, the author enlarges his focus to include the Levant.His book is the first to show in depth how ancient Egypt and the surrounding lands have so continuously and seductively tantalised the Western imagination.

Cairo is a city obsessed with honor and respectability—and love affairs. Sara, a working-class woman, has an affair with a married man and becomes pregnant, only to be abandoned by him; Ayah and Zeid, a respectably engaged couple, argue over whether Ayah’s friend is a prostitute or a virgin; Malak, a European belly dancer who sometimes gets paid for sex, wants to be loved by a man who won’t treat her like a whore just because she’s a dancer; and Alia, a Christian banker who left her abusive husband, is the mistress of a wealthy Muslim man, Haroun, who encourages business by hosting risqué parties for other men and their mistresses. Set in transnational Cairo over two decades, Love, Sex, and Desire in Modern Egypt is an ethnography that explores female respectability, male honor, and Western theories and fantasies about Arab society. L. L. Wynn uses stories of love affairs to interrogate three areas of classic anthropological theory: mimesis, kinship, and gift. She develops a broad picture of how individuals love and desire within a cultural and political system that structures the possibilities of, and penalties for, going against sexual and gender norms. Wynn demonstrates that love is at once a moral horizon, an attribute that “naturally” inheres in particular social relations, a social phenomenon strengthened through cultural concepts of gift and kinship, and an emotion deeply felt and desired by individuals.

Visitors have often remarked on the light of Egypt. There is something about the soft diffusion of sunlight in the country that makes it visually special. Beginning in the early nineteenth century a combination of that light and the new, more sensitive technology of lithography conspired together to allow artists to capture with unprecedented fidelity the country's monuments, Pharaonic as well as Islamic. But there is another way in which the word "light" captures the reality of Egypt. In Arabic it is said that the blood of a people is either "light" or "heavy." Where the blood of others in the region could be said to be heavy, that of the Egyptians is emphatically light and it always seems to have been that way. Here, the word serves as a proxy for "cheerful" or "optimistic." The book that follows captures some of that fundamental Egyptian buoyancy and optimism, and it was not very hard to do. The attitude is infectious and anyone who has lived for any length of time in the country is in danger of succumbing. The pieces reflect a sometimes wry, occasionally humorous, but always affectionate view of an essentially unchanging Egypt.

Provides practical advice on planning a trip to Egypt; describes points of interest in each section of the country; and includes information on restaurants, nightspots, shops, and lodging.

The first book to explore how Arab pop culture has succeeded in helping forge a pan-Arab identity, where Arab nationalism has failed. Pop Culture Arab World! is the first volume to explore the full scope of Arab cultural life since World War II. The book reveals a homogeneous yet richly diverse culture across the Arab nations. In-depth chapters feature radio/TV (particularly the satellite revolution, which has fostered a shared Arab identity), the press (vibrant and controversial), cinema (once thriving, now in crisis), music (the beating heart of modern Arabness), theater (a largely assimilated Western import), popular religion, belly dance (originating in the Arab world), Western consumerism, sport, and the Arabic language (for Muslims, the tongue of God's final revelation). At a time when almost all we see of the Middle East is violence, oppressive nationalism, dangerous zealotry, and despair, this book is a vivid reminder of the humanity of the region's diverse people.

The new full-colour Rough Guide to Egypt is the definitive guide to this amazing country, whose ancient civilization still fascinates today. But there's more to Egypt than just pyramids and temples. The Red Sea offers some of the world's finest diving, a few hours by air from Europe. There are awesome dunes and lush oases to explore in its deserts, and fantastic bazaars and mosques in the capital, Cairo. Detailed accounts of every attraction, along with crystal-clear maps and plans, make it easy to access anything from remote oases to nightlife that only locals know. You'll find lavish photography and colour maps throughout, along with insider tips on how to get the best out of Luxor's temples or Sinai's beach resorts. At every point, the Rough Guide steers you to the best hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops across every price range, giving you balanced reviews and honest, first-hand opinions. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Egypt. Now available in PDF format.

An unbeatable guide to Cairo and the Nile, packed with insider tips and ideas, colour maps and top 10 lists - all designed to help you see the very best of Cairo and the Nile. Discover ancient treasures in the Egyptian Museum, admire historic Islamic architecture at the Mosque of Al-Azhar, explore the wondrous Pyramids of Giza or visit the Valley of the Kings. From Top 10 temples to the Top 10 Egyptian dishes - discover the best of Cairo and the Nile with this easy-to-use travel guide. Inside Top 10 Cairo and the Nile: - Easy-to-follow itineraries to help you make the most of your trip - Top 10 lists showcase Cairo and the Nile's best attractions, covering the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel and many more - In-depth neighbourhood guides explore Cairo's most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, going out and sightseeing - Colour-coded chapters divided by area make it easy to find information quickly and plan your day - Essential travel tips including our expert choices of where to stay, eat, shop and sightsee, plus useful transport, visa and health information - Colour maps help you navigate with ease - Covers Central Cairo, the Old City, Aswan and Lake Nasser, Luxor and more About DK Eyewitness Travel: DK's Top 10 guides take the work out of planning a short trip, with easy-to-read maps, tips and tours to inform and enrich your weekend trip or cultural break. DK is the world's leading illustrated reference publisher, producing beautifully designed books for adults and children in over 120 countries.

Now available in PDF format. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Cairo and the Nile will lead you straight to the very best this area has to offer. The guide is divided by area with restaurant reviews for each, as well as recommendations for hotels, cafes, and places to shop. Rely on dozens of Top 10 lists, from the Top 10 museums to the Top 10 events and festivals. There's even a list of the Top 10 things to avoid. Whether you're looking for the things not to miss at the Top 10 sights or want to find the best arts and culture, this guide is the perfect pocket-sized companion. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Cairo and the Nile contains a pull-out map and guide that includes fold-out maps, useful phone numbers, and 60 great ideas on how to spend a day in Cairo and the surrounding areas, such as Saqqara, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Lake Nassar.

The Rough Guide Snapshot to Cairo and the Pyramids is the ultimate travel guide to this iconic part of Egypt. It guides you through the region with reliable information and comprehensive coverage of all the sights and attractions, from the Egyptian Museum and the Coptic churches of Old Cairo to the pyramid fields at Giza and Dahshur. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the best cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars, and nightlife--ensuring you have the best trip possible, whether passing through, staying for the weekend or longer. Also included is the Basics section from the Rough Guide to Egypt, with all the practical information you need for traveling in and around the region, including transportation, food and drink, pricing, health care, cultural tips, and shopping. Also published as part of the Rough Guide to Egypt.