While I was looking at the medieval Coptic history attributed to Abu Salih and in reality by Abu’l Makarim, I came across the publication of this work, complete, in four volumes by an Egyptian monk, Samuel al-Suryani. I haven’t ever managed to set eyes on a copy.
Fr. Samuel went on to become a bishop, and is now deceased. This was all I knew of him.
But an email brings me more details on his life.
UPDATE: Apparently this information relates to a different bishop Samuel! My apologies for the misinformation. See attached comment.
It seems that he was killed during the assassination of President Sadat of Egypt in 1981. A prominent figure, he was on the dais with the president at the time, and died from a grenade.
There is a detailed Evening News Obituary online, which outlines his life. It seems that he nearly became Coptic patriarch. There is also a book mention.
It’s worth remembering that Coptic Christianity and scholarship takes place against a background of constant violence. I do wish, tho, that Coptic publications were more easily accessible!