Alastair Hamilton's 'The Copts and the West' delves into the complex and evolving relationship between Europeans and the Coptic Church from 1439 to 1822. This scholarly work meticulously traces how Western travelers, missionaries, and scholars encountered, perceived, and documented Coptic Christianity during a pivotal period. It explores the political, religious, and academic motivations behind European engagement with the Copts, shedding light on the historical context of their 'discovery' and the formation of early Orientalist perspectives. The book offers a comprehensive and insightful narrative for anyone interested in ecclesiastical history, East-West cultural exchange, or the history of exploration.