After Napoleon's invasion of Egypt in 1798, the West rediscovered Egypt and the Holy Land. Painters and artists, travellers and archaeologists flocked to the region during the 19th century and produced some of the most interesting records of cities and villages, topography, buildings and customs - much of which has since disappeared or changed beyond recognition. The items featured in this work record this vanished world in fine detail. The book is based on a unique collection of art and printed material covering the 400 year period of Ottoman rule in the region. The extraordinarily diverse perspectives on the history and society of the Holy Land and Egypt as recorded in the writings, paintings and photography of Western travellers and observers make this an unusual source of reference for specialists and students of Middle Eastern history and for general readers alike.