The Rise of Egyptian Communism, 1939-1970 - (Contemporary Issues in the Middle East) by Selma Botman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Selma Botman examines the virtually unknown history of communism in Egypt during the twentieth-century. In an original and well-documented study, the author has traced the development of the revolutionary left using political court cases, interviews with political activists, and literature from the communist movement itself.

In the post-World War II period, Egyptian communists operated in an environment of extreme secrecy and periodic repression. While the communist movement never became a mainstream political force or had realistic capabilities for overthrowing the royalist regime, its importance and influence were much larger than its numbers imply. Egyptian Marxists had a significant ideological impact on Egyptian society, especially among the intelligentsia and to a lesser degree among trade unionists. Moreover, they were present at key moments of nationalist, student, and working-class militancy. The revolutionary left also contributed to the destabilization of the constitutional monarchy and the worn-out Wafd Party, the premier nationalist organization in Egypt, and helped pave the way for the emergence of Gamal Abdul Nasser and the Free Officers movement of 1952.

Review Quotes

A book that succeeds in lifting the veil on a relatively obscure chapter in modern Egyptian history and that restores the ideas and actions of a fascinating group of committed activists within the context of their times.-- "American Historical Review"

A valuable work that analyzes the Communist movement in Egypt.-- "Choice"

About the Author

Selma Botman is provost and vice president of academic affairs at Yeshiva University. She is the author of Egypt from Independence to Revolution, 1919-1952.