Immerse yourself in the Victorian world of an Egyptian harem as Ellen Chennells reveals the true story of the inner life of the royal house as no one had before and no one has since. Engaged as governess to Egyptian Princess Zeyneb in 1872, Chennells' vibrant curiosity and keen powers of observation made her the perfect correspondent. With wit and eloquence she tells the fascinating story of her five years working for the ruler of Egypt during one of its most interesting modern periods. Chennells spares no details in relating the opulence of the royal palaces, fantastic festivals and weddings, trips to the pyramids, up the Nile, and summers in Constantinople. This first-of-a-kind ebook has over 70 new footnotes and ten additional photos to help put the story in historical and visual context. The introduction and footnotes are written by Brian V. Hunt, writer, frequent visitor to Egypt, and a longtime student of that country's ancient and modern history. Ellen Chennells will make you laugh, keep your interest throughout, and leave you with a lump in your throat. For less than you'd spend on gas going to the library, this long out-of-print volume is available as an affordable, well-formatted book for e-readers and smartphones. Be sure to LOOK INSIDE by clicking the cover above or download a sample.

Immerse yourself in the Victorian world of an Egyptian harem as Ellen Chennells reveals the true story of the inner life of the royal house as no one had before and no one has since.Engaged as governess to Egyptian Princess Zeyneb in 1871, Chennells' vibrant curiosity and keen powers of observation made her the perfect correspondent. With wit and eloquence she tells the fascinating story of her five years working for the ruler of Egypt during one of its most interesting modern periods.Chennells spares no details in relating the opulence of the royal palaces, fantastic festivals and weddings, trips to the pyramids, up the Nile, and summers in Constantinople.This first-of-a-kind ebook has over 70 new footnotes and ten additional photos to help put the story in historical and visual context. Ellen Chennells will make you laugh, keep your interest throughout, and leave you with a lump in your throat.

In this firsthand account of the private world of a harem in colonial Cairo, Shaarawi recalls her childhood and early adult life in the seclusion of an upper-class Egyptian household, including her marriage at age thirteen. Her subsequent separation from her husband gave her time for an extended formal education, as well as an unexpected taste of independence. Shaarawi's feminist activism grew, along with her involvement in Egypt's nationalist struggle, culminating in 1923 when she publicly removed her veil in a Cairo railroad station, a daring act of defiance.