This book, "The Great Transformation" by Pascal Ghazzale, delves into the profound societal and economic shifts that occurred in Egypt during the reign of Muhammad Ali. As the first volume in a series, it meticulously examines how wealth was restructured and how new social networks emerged and evolved, fundamentally altering the fabric of Egyptian society. Ghazzale provides a detailed analysis of the mechanisms behind these transformations, exploring the interplay between political power, economic policies, and social dynamics. This insightful study offers a comprehensive understanding of a pivotal period that laid the groundwork for modern Egypt, making it an essential read for scholars of Middle Eastern history and political economy.