Review of the hardback: 'This temperate study of the controversial character of Muhammad 'Ali, whom the author plausibly designates the founder of modern Egypt, probably comes nearer to the truth about him than any previous estimates by either English or French writers…Mr Dodwell has given a masterly portrayal of Muhammad 'Ali's character.' Fortnightly Review

• Preface; 1. The rise of Muhammed 'Ali; 2. The pillar of the empire: Arabia and the Sudan; 3. The pillar of the empire: the Greek war; 4. the Algerian interlude and the conquest of Syria; 5. The idea of an Arab empire and the overland routes; 6. The second Syrian war and the collapse of Muhammed 'Ali's plans; 7. Muhammed 'Ali's government in Egypt; 8. Muhammed 'Ali's government in Crete and Syria; Conclusion; Index.