The writer explores Cairos past and present in word and picture, from Saqqara to the Citadel of Saladin, from ancient synagogue and churches of Old Cairo to the skyscrapers along the Nile, from Khan al-Khalili, the vast bazaar as intricate as inlay work, to the Belle Epoque facades of the downtown streets, and introduces us to the treasures of three great civilizations at the Islamic, Coptic and Egyptian antiquities museums. Beautifully illustrated with colourful photographs, this is a fascinating armchair tour of Cairo in all its variety.