Parting the Desert: The Creation of the Suez Canal

Very good read

Mr. Karabell has most effectively reached across the years and recreated the atmosphere of the mid 19th century when engineers (and their sponsors) thought (and in many cases did) improve the world through engineering projects. It is also illustrates how the Canal contributed to the disillusionment with the West felt in today's Middle East. It is primarily a historical book and I had hoped he would address engineering aspects a bit more. One thing I must add, however, he is a master in introducing biographical sketches without departing too far from the subject and becoming tedious. I never once found myself looking ahead in his book with the thought of "When is this going to get more interesting," which rare for me. I did find a couple of errors, but he still gets 5 stars. An outstanding book!