Egypt is what locals call the scenic Ozark foothills of Southern Illinois. Out of Egypt captures the experiences of a young boy who grew up in small town and rural America during the 1930's and 40's. The author grew up in Carbondale, Illinois, but spent much of his time on the farms of his uncles west of Murphysboro.

The story is told from a small boy's point of view with puckish good humor. The events of his youth are cast against the changes in American life being wrought by the Great Depression and World War II. Those changes had a profound impact on the boy's family, hometown, and the surrounding area. Out of Egypt is a pithy slice of small town Americana during the pre-war and World War II years.

The book is about facing up to the many challenges of boyhood and trying to gain wisdom in the process.