PHAROS

Clarie (Just Rye Harbor, 2005) serves up a feast of history and legend surrounding the Egyptian city of Alexandria and Pharos, its once-upon-a-time lighthouse.

Founded in 332 B.C by Alexander the Great, Alexandria—as presented in this colorful account—has been at various times a humble fishing village, a prosperous commercial port, an international capital with palatial public buildings and sumptuous dwellings, and a ruin laid low by earthquake, plague and foreign conquest. Sizable populations of Jews, Arabs, Europeans and sub-Saharan Africans have lived there, more or less in harmony with the Egyptians themselves. Emperors from the Ptolemies and Cleopatra to Napoleon ruled the city while illustrious personages from E.M Forster to Pierre Cardin have been inspired by its charms. The lighthouse Pharos, the focal point of the book, was a welcoming beacon in Alexandria harbor for more than 1600 years and a wonder of the ancient world. Some historians claim that its light could be seen by sailors 100 miles out to sea, a day or more before their ships reached the port. Partially destroyed and renovated many times during its long life, Pharos finally disappeared in the 14th century. Recent diving expeditions have found what many believe to be remnants of its stone blocks and statuary submerged in the mouth of Alexandria harbor. Clarie recounts an exciting tale and does it well for the most part, with a palpable enthusiasm for the curious twists and turns of Egyptian history. The proliferation of names, dates and numbers assembled here is impressive, if a bit overwhelming. At times it’s difficult to navigate through the competing versions of history and legend, scores of capsule biographies and leaps back and forth in time, between brave attempts to reclaim ancient monuments and political dithering. Though the writing is generally readable, more shading or emphasis would better illuminate the preferred explanations of various phenomena and events. But ultimately the delightful, surprising details and lively presentation reward the reader’s considerable efforts.

A well-researched, engaging history enhanced by high-quality illustrations.