In 1827; a brilliant young French engineer and draftsman arrived in Alexandria at the start of a long and fruitful love affair with Egypt and its art; both ancient and contemporary. Emile Prisse d'Avennes (1807-79) spent a total of nineteen years in Egypt; traveling throughout the country to collect the stunning images that he later published in Paris in two collections; Atlas de l'histoire de l'art egyptien and L' Art arabe. It is the illustrations from the latter that make up this volume. Prisse's masterly renderings of Cairo's mosques and their decorations more than retain their impact today: they still have the power to amaze and delight; while at the same time carrying valuable historical and artistic information for specialists studying Islamic art and architecture. As Professor George Scanlon says in his Introduction to the volume: "For those passionate about the Islamic legacy of Egypt-may they admire and stand grateful."
#1886770 in Books Casemate Publishers and Book Distributors 2002-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.57 x 6.38 x 9.52l; #File Name: 0971170932360 pages
Review
7 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Not for the casual military history readerBy David Van KeurenI would not recommend this book to the casual reader of military history. It doesn't take long after diving into this tome to become completely bogged down in stats; unit numbers; unfamiliar geography and confusing tactics. This would be a good book for the very serious student of the SS. Anyone who loves the writing styles of say Stephen Ambrose or Antony Beever will be very disappointed with this book and will find yourself heading back to the bookstore or post office to return it for a refund or something more readable or understandable to the average reader of military history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellant History BookBy Tony Marquise Jr.This is one of four books by Michael Reynolds that detail the combat actions of SS panzer divisions from about June 1944 to the end of the war. All the books are excellant histories and get my highest recommendation. This book tells the history of the 9th and 10th SS Panzer Divisions and includes actions in Normandy; Arnhem and other places durring Market Garden; the Ardennes; and the Eastern Front in late 1945. This book is very detailed about the combat from the viewpoint of both sides-except on the Eastern Front where very little info about the Russian side is available. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the combat that occured durring the last year of World War II.10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A First Rate Look at the II SS Panzer CorpsBy Ozark Trail OutriderAs with his previous books; Michael Reynolds grabs the reader's attention and presents a wealth of detailed information of the operations of the II SS Panzer Corps. This corps distinguished itself in Normandy; Arnhem; the Ardennes and finally in the East against the Soviet tide.Reynolds style is somewhat documentary in its approach. With some authors this style would be too dull to hold the reader's interest; but Reynolds intercuts enough interesting; tactical narrative to allow the operational facts and figures to enhance the story and improve the reader's overall understanding of the various conflicts described.Reynolds also strives to put forward facts that can be substantiated by the available primary and secondary source material. He is quick to point out differences between the various sources and equally quick to point out which is more probably the truthful version. He certainly doesn't play favorites either. The well known Waffen SS veteran Otto Weidinger's accounts are questioned by Reynolds throughout the volume. Reynolds is therefore able to describe the accomplishments of this SS formation in an objective manner; which the reader can appreciate and weigh against the information provided.Overall a very satisfying exploration of the activities of the II Second SS Panzer Korps.
