The Last Cheetah of Egypt

About the Book

At the end of the eighteenth century, the Ottoman Empire was in sharp decline. However, out of the ashes of this empire ascended an Egyptian royal family that would go on to dominate the Middle East in the early nineteenth century and rule Egypt for over 150 years. Beginning in the eighteenth century with the rise of Mohammad Ali and the French Invasion of Egypt and continuing until the abdication of King Farouk in 1953, a rich Egyptian history tells a story at the intersection of struggle and empowerment, politics and family, and religion and freedom. In The Last Cheetah of Egypt, author David B. Rosten explores both the told and untold narrative history of the Egyptian royal family from 1805 to 1953. Himself living with the royal family and having personal connections and relationships with the late King Farouk’s family and with Queen Nazli herself, Rosten shares his extensive historical research as well as captivating stories and details of the royal family’s lifestyle, love, struggles, and successes. Taking place during a clash of civilizations, a poignant history unfolds of an Egyptian royal family caught between modern ideas and ancient rules—and what especially comes to life is the story of Queen Nazli, a woman who expressed her freedom and glided seamlessly between these two worlds with grace and dignity.

About the Author

David B. Rosten has degrees in political science and comparative law, and he studied history at UCLA and the University of Copenhagen. Former co-chair of the dean’s council at UC Irvine, he serves on the board of directors for both the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding and the Olive Tree Initiative.