Reimagining the Egyptian Travel Narrative: Amelia Edwards’ A Thousand Miles Up the Nile

Abstract

Amelia Edwards’ A Thousand Miles Up the Nile is an extraordinary document among the abundant Victorian travel narratives of Egypt. With its exhaustive research, scholarly detail, and elaborate illustrations created by the author, the book stands apart from other contemporary accounts. Edwards’ vast knowledge seems even more remarkable since the author did not enjoy the opportunity to attend an educational institution in her formative years. Edwards, who cofounded the Egypt Exploration Fund to promote archaeological work, was familiar not only with writings and pronouncements of numerous authorities, but she also kept fully abreast of the most recent valuable discoveries. She reveals a comprehensive knowledge of ruins, history, art, religion, and other vital facets of the field that brought her recognition and praise as an eminent Egyptologist. A Thousand Miles Up the Nile forged new ground by reimagining the Egyptian travel narrative in the nineteenth century.