Letters from Egypt

An Englishwoman on the Nile, 1862-69

By: Lucie Duff Gordon

Write A Review

Paperback | 16 July 2020

At a Glance

Paperback
224 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.7 x 14 x 2.5

Paperback

RRP $29.99

$29.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $7.44 with

Ships in 10 to 15 business days

A collection of writings of Lucie Duff Gordon, notable for their humour, outrage at the ruling Ottomans, and many personal stories from the people around her.

In 1862, Lucie Duff Gordon left her husband and three children in England and settled in Egypt, where she remained for the rest of her short life. Seeking respite from her tuberculosis in the dry air, she moved into a ramshackle house above a temple in Luxor, and soon became an indispensable member of the community. Setting up a hospital in her home, she welcomed all – from slaves to local leaders.

Her humane, open-minded voice shines across the centuries through these letters witty, life-affirming, joyous, self-deprecating and utterly enchanted by her Arab neighbours.

About the Author

Lucie, Lady Duff-Gordon (24 June 1821 - 14 July 1869) was an English author and translator who wrote as Lucie Gordon. She is best known for her Letters from Egypt, 1863-1865 and Last Letters from Egypt (1875), most of which are addressed to her husband, Alexander Duff-Gordon, and her mother, Sarah Austin. Having moved in prominent literary circles in London, she contracted tuberculosis and migrated in 1861 to South Africa for health reasons. She travelled on to Egypt in 1862 where she settled in Luxor, learnt Arabic, and wrote many letters about Egyptian culture, religion and customs.

Her letters are notable for humour, outrage at the ruling Ottomans, and many personal stories from the people around her.

Industry Reviews

'… reveals a woman of courage, humour and passion.'
Kathleen Frank

'She inherited from her father the judicial mind, and her fine conscience brought it to bear on herself as well as on the world… Hers was the charity which is perceptive and all-embracing'
George Meredith

'… singularly captivating and vigorous.'
Edinburgh Review

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.