Trevor Naylor

The wellspring of key religious faiths, such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism, the Middle East is famed for its warm hospitality and ancient culture. For centuries, it was the heart of the known world and home to some of the great civilizations, including the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, the Abbasid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire. Its towns and deserts have served as crossroads of trade and as a crucible of ideas, science and art that still endure today. For the modern visitor, there is much to choose from. Watch the sun set over the honeycombed magic of Petra and explore tree-lined boulevards and exquisite blue-tiled mosques in Esfahan, Iran. From the deep-rooted communities of Oman to the cosmopolitan energy of Beirut and Dubai, from the quiet spirituality of a Turkish mosque to the bustling markets of Cairo, the Middle East is home to a rich, vibrant mosaic of traditions, languages and food. With more than 200 vivid photographs, this book offers a pictorial exploration of the culture, history, flora and fauna of this hugely diverse region.

Every country has its proverbs, sayings passed down from generation to generation that impart wisdom and tell truths, and ancient Egypt is no exception. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Ancient Egyptian Wisdom offers more than 80 succinct quotes from one of the greatest and longest-lasting civilizations of antiquity. Throughout this collection we discover advice and guidance that we might find relevant today. Interspersed with this wide-ranging wisdom are wonderful phrases more specific to Egyptian life, landscape and the world and cosmos as they knew it. There was danger all around in those ancient times. ‘A crocodile does not die of worry, it dies of hunger.’ ‘A scorpion in the sandal teaches quickly.’ Whether you are an enthusiast of ancient civilizations, a seeker of spiritual truths, or simply a curious mind, ancient Egyptian life and mythology has something to offer everyone. It is an invitation to step into the realm of gods and mortals, prophecies and cosmic order, and discover the enduring wisdom of an ancient culture that continues to resonate with us today.