[FEMALE ARAB HISTORIAN / THE NAHDA]تاريخ مصر ‏ / Târîkh Misr [i.e., History of Egypt]

AMOUN, HIND ISKANDAR (1885-1914).

Matba'at al-Ma'ârif bi-Shâri' al-Fajjâlah bi-Misr, Cairo, AH 1331 = 1913 CE.

Original wrappers with cloth spine. Roy. 8vo. (25 x 16 cm). In Arabic. [4], 302, [1] p., b/w ills. and one map. Occasional staining and foxing on the front and rear covers, but the interior remains clean and in very good condition overall.

The second edition, published in the same year as the first, of this history of Egypt from ancient times to the early 20th century, written by a female Arab historian and influenced by the Nahda (Arab Renaissance) movement. Emphasizing education, modernization, and the rediscovery of Egyptian Arab heritage, the book was recognized as a textbook in Egyptian universities, particularly during a period when Egypt was redefining its national identity.

As a female historian, Amoun’s work challenged colonial narratives that often marginalized or misrepresented Egyptian history, reflecting the growing participation of women in intellectual and cultural life during the Nahda period. As one of the few female historians of her time, her contributions are particularly significant in a male-dominated field. She was a Lebanese writer of Egyptian origin and the daughter of Iskandar bin Anton bin Youssef Amoun (1857-1920), a Lebanese lawyer, politician, and writer.

Starting with an index and introduction, the book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a distinct era: Ancient Egypt. The book begins with an exploration of Pharaonic civilization, highlighting its achievements in architecture, governance, and culture., Greco-Roman and Byzantine Periods: It discusses the influence of Greek and Roman rule, as well as the spread of Christianity in Egypt., Islamic Era: The book details the Arab conquest of Egypt in the 7th century and the subsequent Islamic dynasties, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids., Ottoman Rule: It examines the period of Ottoman control (1517-1805) and its impact on Egyptian society., Modern Egypt: The book concludes with the rise of Muhammad Ali Pasha (1805-1848) and the modernization of Egypt, as well as the British occupation and its consequences.

As of May 2025, OCLC lists eighteen copies worldwide (1015508747); however, it remains rare in the market.