CONTENTS PACE THE ORIGIN OF THE KHEDIVIAL DYNASTY .... i Egypt under the Mamelukes — Mahomet Ali nominated Pasha of Egypt — Story of his career — Massacre of the Mamelukes — Invasion of the Soudan — Reign of Mahomet Ali — Estimate of his character — His revolt against Turkey — Interference of European Powers — On conclusion of peace Mahomet Ali surrenders Syria, and is declared by Turkey Hereditary Viceroy.

THE REIGNS OF ABBAS AND SAID 20 Character of Abbas Pasha — Introduction of railways into Egypt — Story of Abbas* death at Benha — Accession of Said Pasha — Catastrophe of Kafir el 2hat — Issue of the first Egyptian loan.

THE SUEZ CANAL 25 Ferdinand de Lcssejis' connection with Egypt — British opposition to the Suez Canal — M. de Lesseps* character— <oncession granted by Said Pasha — The Porte refuses to sanction concession as originally proposed— Financial difficulties of construction — Corvee system forbidden — Award of Najoleon III. — Unfairness of award.

THE ACCESSION OF ISMAIL PASHA 47 State of Egypt on commencement of Ismail's reign — Personal character of new Viceroy — Temptations to which he was subjected — The cotton boom during the Secession "War.

THE PURSE OF FORTUNATUS 56 Early life of Ismail— Visit of Sultan to Egypt— Title of Khedive granted — Change in law of succession — Lavish outlay both public and private — Immense appropriation of lands — Amount of indebtedness.