Throughout the ages, Egypt has been a key to Africa and the Middle East. That was true in the past and is still true today, although Egypt’s influence and role have varied over time. During the modern period, it was ruled by a series of often dynamic governors, until it fell under the British empire, only to be restored to independence and become once again a regional leader under Gamal Abd al-Nasser. His successors, Anwar al–Sadat, and even more so, Hosni Mubarak, have been more concerned with economic development and internal matters, but this strategically located country with its large population could never be ignored. This Historical Dictionary of Egypt, Third Edition covers Egypt’s past two-and-a-half centuries, and concentrates most on the past half century of independence. Thoroughly updated to include significant events over the past decade, it remains a particularly valuable reference tool for anyone who needs accurate and timely information, with its many entries on significant persons, places, and institutions; a chronology and introduction that reach far back in time; and a substantial bibliography.

Arthur Goldschmidt, Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Middle East History at the Pennsylvania State University. His work as a teacher of undergraduate and graduate students was recognized in the 2000 Mentoring Award by the Middle East Studies Association. Robert Johnston is associate dean of libraries and learning technologies at the American University in Cairo.