Before the Throne

A Modern Arabic Novel from Egypt
By Naguib Mahfouz

'Before the Throne offers a roll-call of those who have led Egypt, from its earliest days through the presidency of Anwar Sadat. The idea is simple and brilliant: in the afterlife Osiris presides over a 'trial' of Egypt's historical rulers, to determine their final fate -- do they join him and Isis in the Other World as Immortals, or will they spend eternity elsewhere (Hell or Purgatory, for example)?... Each defendant's accomplishments and flaws are summed up in a few sentences, and the defenses are fairly summary as well: these are quick proceedings. Familiarity with Egyptian history helps in the understanding of some of the specifics, but the highpoints are well covered and the chronological proceedings give a decent sense of the changing local circumstances...  Mahfouz packs a surprising amount into the book, and there is sufficient context woven in so that even readers not familiar with specific reigns and rulers can make sufficient sense of things... a very tight version of an enormous undertaking.'

MA Orthofer, The Complete Review, November 2009

Review from the Library Journal - December 2009

'Also appearing in English this fall, Before the Throne (1983) offers a glimpse of a very different side of this author’s prodigious talents. In this distinctive work, written largely in dramatic dialog, Mahfouz is concerned with understanding his country’s identity through an exploration of its ancient history. The novel is set in a courtroom, with the sun god, Osiris, presiding. One by one, the great leaders of Egypt’s past, beginning with King Menes of the First Dynasty, are summoned to defend their accomplishments and explain their faults. Osiris makes the final judgment and determines the fate of each leader’s soul for eternity. Those granted immortality remain in the courtroom and may participate in subsequent trials, which leads to such unusual situations as Ramesses II confronting President Anwar el-Sa&hibar;da&hibar;t. In the heated discussions that inevitably take place, Mahfouz shows how the defining ideals of a nation evolve. VERDICT Despite its brevity and the experimental structure, Before the Throne is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in Egyptian history or literature. It’s a small gem.'

Review from Good Book Guide, February 2010:

'In this drama-in-dialogue novel, Mahfouz reveals his deep knowledge of his country's long and chequered history by assembling a range of leaders all the way from Osiris... to Anwar Sadat... This is Mahfouz at his inventive best displaying his showman's talents with his usual prodigious flare.'