The story of the Suez Canal

Ferdinand de Lesseps’ small “water gate” to the Far-East

Abstract

The author in his study revives the dramatic and adventurous history of one of the world’s busiest and most important canals. We can learn the foregoing international political procedures, bargaining and plotting for strategic benefits, public events and manipulations behind the scenes, the different ideas of planning and the ceremonious moments of the grand opening of the water route. Grey eminencies – who played hidden, but very important roles in the history of the canal – step into the field of vision from behind the shades of well known personalities. Beside historic events we can read about forgotten negotiations and political agreements, which are related to the water route connecting continents, countries, peoples, cultures and economies.