The Diaries of Waguih Ghali


Book Description

In 1968 Egyptian novelist and political exile Waguih Ghali committed suicide in the London flat of his editor, friend, and sometime lover, Diana Athill. Ghali left behind six notebooks of diaries that for decades were largely inaccessible to the public. The Diaries of Waguih Ghali: An Egyptian in the Swinging Sixties, in two volumes, is the first publication of its kind of the journals, casting fascinating light on a likable and highly enigmatic literary personality. Waguih Ghali (1930?–69), author of the acclaimed novel Beer in the Snooker Club, was a libertine, sponger, and manic depressive, but also an extraordinary writer, a pacifist, and a savvy political commentator. Covering the last four years of his life, Ghali’s Diaries offer an exciting glimpse into London’s swinging sixties. Volume 1 tells of Ghali’s life in Rheydt, West Germany, providing unique insights from the perspective of an Egyptian immigrant on postwar Germany and shedding light on Ghali’s own writing and personality when he was at the peak of his depression. This volume also includes his reminiscences of his childhood in Alexandria and Cairo, drawing in bittersweet nostalgia a picture of a bygone era in Egypt, while in the background loom what would become milestone events in his adopted countries in subsequent decades: the Treblinka trials and the gains of the National Democratic Party in Germany and the rise of the Labour Party in Britain. Including an interview conducted by Deborah Starr with celebrated literary editor Diana Athill OBE, the Diaries bring together those most familiar with Ghali’s life and work, and offer a fresh take on a distinctive author and a vibrant decade.




The Oxford Handbook of Modern Egyptian History


Book Description

The essays in this Oxford Handbook rethink the modern history of one of the most important and influential countries in the Middle East--Egypt. For a country and region so often understood in terms of religion and violence, this work explores environmental, medical, legal, cultural, and political histories. It gives readers an excellent view of the current debates in Egyptian history.




The Autofictional


Book Description

This open access book offers innovative and wide-ranging responses to the continuously flourishing literary phenomenon of autofiction. The book shows the insights that are gained in the shift from the genre descriptor to the adjective, and from a broad application of “the autofictional” as a theoretical lens and aesthetic strategy. In three sections on “Approaches,” “Affordances,” and “Forms,” the volume proposes new theoretical approaches for the study of autofiction and the autofictional, offers fresh perspectives on many of the prominent authors in the discussion, draws them into a dialogue with autofictional practice from across the globe, and brings into view texts, forms, and media that have not traditionally been considered for their autofictional dimensions. The book, in sum, expands the parameters of research on autofiction to date to allow new voices and viewpoints to emerge.




Beer in the Snooker Club


Book Description

Waguih Ghali was raised in Cairo but spent much of his adult life studying and working in Europe. In Beer in the Snooker Club, Ghali chronicles the lives of Cairo's upper crust who, after the fall of King Farouk, are thoroughly unprepared to change its neo-feudal ways. Beer in the Snooker Club was the only book written by Ghali before his suicide in 1968. "Ghali's novel reproduces a cultural state of shock with great accuracy and great humor."–James Marcus of The Nation




The Rough Guide to London


Book Description

The Rough Guide to London is the essential travel guide with clear maps and coverage of London's unforgettable attractions. From the big hitters like the Tower of London and the London Eye to hidden gems like the Sir John Soane�s Museum and Highgate Cemetery the Rough Guide steers you straight to the unmissable sites of London, unearthing the best hotels, restaurants, traditional pubs, caf�s and nightlife across every price range. A guide for travellers and London locals alike, you'll find detailed coverage of the city�s fantastic free museums as well as the little-known nooks and crannies you should be exploring. The Rough Guide to London includes detailed accounts of all the palaces, museums and galleries, big and small, and why they�re worth (or not worth) visiting. There are specialist sections on nightlife, the gay and lesbian scene, classical arts and detailed information on the capitals best markets and shopping-spots, all written by London-based experts. Explore all corners of the city with authoritative background on everything from Jack the Ripper to top London clubs, relying on the clearest maps of any guide. Make the Most of Your Time with The Rough Guide to London




The Rough Guide to London


Book Description

From the glitz of Mayfair to the pop-ups of Peckham, London offers limitless opportunities for exploration, and The Rough Guide to London with you don't miss a thing. Updated by local experts, the guide will take you to both the headline sights and lesser-known gems, from the world-class museums in South Kensington to the up-and-coming neighbourhoods of East London. Dubbed the world's most multicultural city, London has something for everyone, from munching your way around Maltby Street Market to admiring the view from the top of The Shard. With chapters dedicated to the best hotels, restaurants and cafés, pubs and bars, live music and clubs, shops, theatre, kids' activities and more, you'll be sure to make the most of your time in the city with The Rough Guide to London.




The Rough Guide to London (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

This practical travel guide to London features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This London guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make London easier to navigate while you're there. This guide book to London has been fully updated post-COVID-19. The Rough Guide to LONDON covers: Whitehall and Westminster, St James's, Mayfair and Piccadilly, Marylebone, Soho and Fitzrovia, Covent Garden and the Strand, Bloomsbury and King's Cross, Holborn and the Inns of Court, Clerkenwell, The City, Tower of London and around, East London, Docklands, The South Bank, Southwark, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, South Kensington, Knightsbridge and Chelsea, High Street Kensington to Nottingham, North London, South London, West London: Hammersmith to Hampton Court. Inside this London travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Experiences selected for every kind of trip to London, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Postman's Park to family activities in child-friendly places, like Hampstead Heath or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Tower of London. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Essential pre-departure information including London entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of London, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this London travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for theatre, music, museums and learning about the city's history. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Chelsea and the Soho's best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to London, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this London guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to London features fascinating insights into London, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Big Ben and the spectacular British Museum. COLOUR-CODED MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Fitzrovia, Covent Garden and many more locations in London, reduce the need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.




Pop Culture Arab World!


Book Description

The first book to explore how Arab pop culture has succeeded in helping forge a pan-Arab identity, where Arab nationalism has failed. Pop Culture Arab World! is the first volume to explore the full scope of Arab cultural life since World War II. The book reveals a homogeneous yet richly diverse culture across the Arab nations. In-depth chapters feature radio/TV (particularly the satellite revolution, which has fostered a shared Arab identity), the press (vibrant and controversial), cinema (once thriving, now in crisis), music (the beating heart of modern Arabness), theater (a largely assimilated Western import), popular religion, belly dance (originating in the Arab world), Western consumerism, sport, and the Arabic language (for Muslims, the tongue of God's final revelation). At a time when almost all we see of the Middle East is violence, oppressive nationalism, dangerous zealotry, and despair, this book is a vivid reminder of the humanity of the region's diverse people.




HAMAS


Book Description

Declared a terrorist menace yet voted into government in a free election, Hamas then used its Gaza power base to launch cross-border attacks that scorched Israel and transformed the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. How did a small Palestinian offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood grow to challenge long-established rivals such as the PLO? Who supports Hamas and what is its agenda? How powerful has it become and how strong will it remain? With decades of combined experience researching and reporting from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jerusalem, and around the Middle East, Beverley Milton-Edwards and Stephen Farrell gained unrivalled access to Hamas. Drawing on years of frontline reporting and interviews with members of the group’s founding generation and their successors who now lead it, they trace Hamas’ path to the shocking attacks of 07 October 2023 and their devastating aftermath. Its critics believe Hamas must be ousted to reach a solution to the Middle East conflict. Hamas’s supporters believe it is the solution. Nobody now believes it can be ignored. Based on their landmark 2010 study which has been thoroughly revised and updated, this book brings the story of Hamas up to the present and will be essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the Middle East today.




An Egyptian in the Swinging Sixties


Book Description

Interview with Diana Athill / by Deborah Starr -- The diaries of Waguih Ghali. Going mad ; All my resolutions ; London ; Yesterday spent a quiet evening at home ; It is, I suppose, time to reckon up again