Edwyn Bevan describes his work as 'an attempt to tell afresh the story of a great adventure, Greek rule in the land of the Pharaohs.the general outlines of the story, which ends with the astounding episode of Cleopatra, will, it is hoped, here be made plain'. The result is a remarkable synthesis of historical scholarship, prose style and breadth of vision, which will still prove to be of value to Egypt enthusiasts and students of Egyptology.