The Isthmus of Suez Question

"The Isthmus of Suez Question" by M. Ferdinand de Lesseps is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book discusses the proposal and planning surrounding the construction of a maritime canal to connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea via the Isthmus of Suez. It highlights the engineering, political, and economic considerations of such a monumental project, presenting it as a means to enhance global trade and communication. At the start of the book, de Lesseps recounts his trip to Egypt in 1854 following an invitation from Viceroy Mohammed Saïd. This trip initiated discussions about constructing a canal through the Isthmus of Suez, a concept that had been proposed in the past but never realized. Throughout this opening section, de Lesseps communicates the enthusiasm of both the Viceroy and supportive engineers regarding the feasibility of the project. He presents preliminary findings from engineers who investigated the terrain, outlining the costs, logistics, and potential benefits of the canal to trade, particularly for England, thereby emphasizing the collaborative international interest in the undertaking.