Written to set the record straight about Wilfrid Scawen Blunt and his activities in Egypt's 'Urabi Revolt of 1882, The Accidental Traveler shows how Blunt-with the access to leaders on both sides--attempted to mediate the crisis behind the scenes in both Cairo and London. Labeled a traitor in Parliament for his association with 'Urabi, Blunt was further discredited by a government cover-up. Since then, both man and his published works relating to the subject have been routinely characterized as inconsequential and self-promoting. Regardless, most who write on the subject of the 'Urabi Revolt quote Blunt and rely on him for insights and material otherwise unavailable. This work will show how the well-connected Blunt became a dauntless fighter for Egyptian freedom. Moreover, it will show how Blunt's actions had a major impact on decisions at the highest levels of power in 1882. The author contends that Blunt was ultimately successful in his appeals on behalf of the Egyptians--although not how he intended.

Introduction. 1. Man with a Mission 2. The Future of Islam 3. Egyptian Nationalists, 1881-1882 4. The Die is Cast 5. Two's Company, Three's a Crowd 6. The Battle for Egypt at Home 7. The "Circassian Plot" 8. Beginning of the End 9. The Inevitable