8vo. xxi, 282 pp. 5 tables, publisher’s original wrappers, notes, biblio, index, copy in mint condition, University of California Press, Berkley, 1995.

Synopsis

This study challenges the left-nationalist paradigm through which 20th-century Egyptian history and politics has generally been interpreted. It argues with those who explain Egyptian economic development primarily in terms of class and of power struggles between British and Egyptian entrepreneurs and politicians. The book offers a detailed view of the objectives and political strategies of both international firms and Egypt’s own big business rivals. It highlights the career of Muhammad Ahmad ‘Abbud, modern Egypt’s most successful businessman. The author’s argument can also be effectively applied to many other Third World countries and his book should make a contribution to ongoing debates regarding class, underdevelopment, and nationalism.