Review of the hardback: 'Through admirable and painstaking research, Mikhail has explored a new and fascinating aspect of Ottoman Egypt, using a timeframe that spans a transitional period, which allowed him to draw comparisons and provide original comments and provocative opinions that will stimulate future debate. This book is highly recommended.' Doris Behrens-Abouseif, Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient
Introduction: an empire by nature; 1. Watering the Earth; 2. The food chain; 3. The framework of empire; 4. In working order; 5. From nature to disease; 6. Another Nile; Conclusion: the imagination and reality of public works; Appendix: citations for cases enumerated in Tables 1 through 4.