An account of the manners and customs of the modern Egyptians

"An Account of the Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians" by Edward William Lane is a detailed look into the lives of Egyptians in the early 1800s. The book dives into their traditions, how their society was set up, and how important the Nile River was to their way of life. The author explains why he wanted to write about this, talking about how he lived in Egypt from 1833 to 1835 to really understand the people and their culture. He talks about his attempts to fit in by learning Arabic and adopting local customs. Lane also introduces his main Muslim friend, Sheikh Ahmad, and shares stories that show what life was like back then, giving readers a closer look at everything from religious practices to everyday conversations, all backed up by the author's own experiences and pictures.