This book by Juan Cole offers a profound analysis of the Urabi Movement in 19th-century Egypt, delving into its often-overlooked social and cultural roots rather than solely focusing on political or economic factors. Cole challenges traditional interpretations by examining the everyday lives, beliefs, and aspirations of ordinary Egyptians, from peasants to urban artisans, who formed the backbone of the nationalist uprising against British and Ottoman influence. He meticulously reconstructs the intricate social fabric of the period, demonstrating how a complex interplay of religious reform, class tensions, and evolving national identity fueled the revolutionary fervor. The book sheds new light on how indigenous cultural dynamics shaped the colonial encounter and the subsequent struggle for independence, making it an essential read for understanding Egyptian history and the broader mechanics of anti-colonial resistance.