Summary of Nina Burleigh's Mirage

Get the Summary of Nina Burleigh's Mirage in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. "Mirage" by Nina Burleigh recounts Napoleon Bonaparte's secretive 1798 expedition to Egypt, involving a fleet of 300 ships, 34,000 troops, 16,000 sailors, and 151 scholars and artists. The mission aimed to undermine British trade routes and expand French influence. The scholars, including prominent figures like Gaspard Monge and Claude-Louis Berthollet, faced harsh conditions and cultural challenges while documenting Egypt's ancient wonders. The French seized Malta en route and faced a mix of emotions upon reaching Alexandria. The French Revolution's ideals influenced the expedition, with scholars serving dual roles in education and entertainment. The French faced resistance from the Mamelukes and the local population, with the Battle of the Pyramids marking a significant but incomplete victory. The scholars' work in Egypt was extensive, from studying the Nile's biodiversity to documenting antiquities, despite the hardships of disease, conflict, and cultural differences. The Rosetta Stone's discovery was a highlight, though it ultimately ended up in British hands. The French surrender in Cairo led to the scholars' return to France, where they published "The Description of Egypt," a monumental work that influenced European Egyptomania. The savants' experiences marked a transition from the Age of Reason to the Romantic era, with their legacies intertwined with Napoleon's rise and fall. The book captures the complex interactions between the French invaders and Egyptian society, the scholars' scientific endeavors, and the lasting cultural impact of their journey.