By combining extracts from their most famous works with Rees' insightful essays, Women on the Nile illuminates the life and writings of three remarkable women and captures something of the romance of 19th century travel to the East.

Harriet Martineau was a doughty and influential campaigner for multiple social causes; Florence Nightingale became a universally acclaimed reformer of nursing and hospital practices; Amelia Edwards, formerly a novelist and prolific professional writer, returned from Egypt to found the Egypt Exploration Society and endow the first Chair of Egyptology at a British University.

All three were independent minded women of strong character and exceptional gifts. They were accomplished writers each with a distinctive style, and their accounts of their Nile journeys are richly individual and full of life, thought and observation.

'Her analysis of these women - on and off the Egyptian stage- makes one wish to turn back again to the original accounts- with new insight... One needs Professor Rees' book to truly understand Florence's Letters.'

'Her book will encourage her readers to return to [these women] with greater understanding.' From a review by Deborah Manley in the ASTENE bulletin, summer 2008.

'No summary can do justice to the depth and complexity of Rees's analysis... it is heartily recommended to those who appreciate excellent prose and fresh, provocative interpretation of some of the classic works of the history of Egypt'
Barbara Mertz, KMT, February 2008.