Fodor’s is one of the most respected names in travel, so of course, I was not surprised to find a travel guide on the shelf during my last trip to the bookstore. But I was surprised to find not one but two guides, completely different.

The traditional Fodor’s Egypt, has a gold-toned cover and is just a wealth of information about traveling in Egypt. The beginning has a few color plates with gorgeous photography, but that is about it. Most of this book is text and maps with a few other illustrations. However, the layout of this book is very easy to follow and/or find information. For example, in the Cairo chapter, there is a brief introduction to the city, a breakdown of possible itineraries and then tourist information by neighborhood, i.e.- Old Islamic Cairo, the Citadel to Mosque Ibn-Tulun area, etc. Within each neighborhood listing are listed sites to see, sites off the beaten path, as well as the "Need a break" listing that is, a place to take a rest in that area. Dining, lodging, the arts, nightlife and shopping all have their appropriate sections with little icons indicating price, quality, etc.

The end of this guide is a section of pages tabbed in gray, Chapter 7, Background and Essentials. This section is quick reference summary of the entire book, with the following sections:

Portraits – To Live and Die in Ancient Egypt & A Brief History of Egypt

Fodor’s Choice – Favorites in Egypt

Glossary

Book and Videos – What to Watch and Read Before You Go

Map of Egypt

Smart Travel Tips A to Z – Essential Information

At the end of the book are the index and, very smartly, a conversion table inside the back cover.

All in all, this is a very thorough and complete guide for US $20.00.

FODOR’S EXPLORING EGYPT, Third Edition, 2000

Conversely, this guidebook is full color, glossy paper and is written by the husband and wife team of Anthony Sattin and Sylvie Franquet (rather than a team of editors, as the Fodor’s Egypt is). They have spent many years living in and writing about Egypt, and this guide brings a liveliness to Egypt that the other guide does not, mostly due to the marvelous color photography.

At the beginning of this book is a "How to use this book" page followed by the Contents. Each section is explained, and the key to admission charges is listed as well as the ratings scale. This scale by the way, is not the quality level of hotels and restaurants but rather, the "Do not miss", "Highly recommended" and "Worth seeing" ratings.

The first section of the guide is about "Our Egypt," that is, what it is now and what is was in the past. The Gazetteer focuses on the various regions and sites throughout the land. Highlights are in the ‘Focus On’ sections, as well a listing of interesting drives and/or walks to take in that area or city. The book wraps up with a useful Travel Facts section and a listing of accommodations and restaurants. There is also a separate listing of the maps with page numbers.

One more word about the photography: While the photos of the antiquities are marvelous, throughout the book are photos of Egyptian people at work and in various settings. These photos really bring to life the ‘face’ of Egypt, and, as the front cover blurb says, "All the great sights plus the anecdotes that bring them to life." And a good price at US $22.00.

So, which guide to purchase?? I’ll leave that up to you. You won’t go wrong with either guide and, if you are like me, you’ll end up with both!