Known and loved throughout Egypt as a work that celebrates the national character, Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouzs Thebes at War tells of a high point in Egyptian historyancient Egypts defeat of Asiatic foreigners who had dominated northern Egypt for two hundred years.With a visit from a court official and a provocative insult, the southern pharaohs long simmering resentment boils over, leading him to commit himself and his heirs to an epic struggle for the throne. Filled with the grand clash of armies, staggering defeats, daring escapes, and glorious victories, and written at a time when Egypt was again under the sway of foreign powers, Thebes at War is a resounding call to remember Egypts long and noble history.From the Trade Paperback edition.