Istanbul's history is a catalogue of change, not least of name, yet it has managed to retain its own unique identity. John Freely captures the flavour of daily life as well as court ceremonial and intrigue. The book also includes a comprehensive gazetteer of all major monuments and museums. An in-depth study of this legendary city through its many different ages from its earliest foundation to the present day - the perfect traveller's companion and guide.
Istanbul: The Imperial City
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About the Author
John Freely first went to Istanbul in 1960 to teach physics at Robert College, now the University of the Bosphorus, to which he returned in 1993. His first book was STROLLING THROUGH ISTANBUL and he has subsequently written more than twenty other travel books including CLASSICAL TURKEY, STROLLING THROUGH ATHENS, and STROLLING THROUGH VENICE.
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a delightful combination of history and guide, addressing the history of Byzantium/Constantinople/Istanbul from the earliest Greek settlements to the present day. Mr.Freely provides a short but very readable account of the reigns of every Emperor and Sultan (and regardless of origin or religion the vast majority were a ghastly but entertaining bunch!) and sets them in the context of the growth of the city and of its principle monuments. The book is worth purchasing for the guide section alone, which is at the end, and which provides excellent short descriptions of al the main architectural features and archaeological remains. This reader's only regret is that the book had not yet been published when he spent significant periods in Istanbul, for it is not only unique in concept and format, but also superior to any other book he has encountered as a guide to this wonderful city. It can be thoroughly recommended for anybody making a visit to Istanbul, however short. Readers whose interest is whetted by the chapters on pre-conquest Constantinople will find that John Julius Norwich's splendid three volume-history of Byzantium provides the extra, and fascinating, detail they crave.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this invaluable reading before my first visit to Istanbul. I felt able to connect with the city the moment I arrived. John Freely has a very informative narrative style and the book flows through the very complicated history of the area over the last 2,500 years with great detail but with excellent continuity. His feel for this part of the world and his delight in exploring it's history is obvious in his writing. Am looking forward to reading other books by him.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
John Freely is a magnificant author and obviously in love with Istanbul. Actually he is a physic professor. You can follow his precise style in all of his books. The very fascinating film "Notting Hill" from Julia Roberst and Hugh Grant made this book popular all around the world. The travelbooks-shop owner Hugh Grant recommends this book to Julia Roberts just in the beginning of the film and emphasizes its high quality.
It goes without saying that Istanbul is a well written and well illustrated book. If you have been to Istanbul before, it will remarkably reinforce your memories. If you are a real fan of history and architecture and adore intellectually written books, dont skip this one. Really breathtaking! It will take you to a whimsical yet magnificent city and its history; particulary Byzantine era. The detailed information about Istanbul's monuments, Thedosian walls, churches, mosques, geography and historical events which were successfully chronicled will definetly help you to understand both its glory and history.
I must say that if you are interested in these type of books, it worths it, if not you may get a little bit bored. So consider your preferences and then order this one.
Also recommended; anything by John Freely, Atatürk by Andrew Mango and My name is Red by Orhan Pamuk.
It goes without saying that Istanbul is a well written and well illustrated book. If you have been to Istanbul before, it will remarkably reinforce your memories. If you are a real fan of history and architecture and adore intellectually written books, dont skip this one. Really breathtaking! It will take you to a whimsical yet magnificent city and its history; particulary Byzantine era. The detailed information about Istanbul's monuments, Thedosian walls, churches, mosques, geography and historical events which were successfully chronicled will definetly help you to understand both its glory and history.
I must say that if you are interested in these type of books, it worths it, if not you may get a little bit bored. So consider your preferences and then order this one.
Also recommended; anything by John Freely, Atatürk by Andrew Mango and My name is Red by Orhan Pamuk.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
After the good reviews and recommendations I was disappointed by this book. Of course it is ambitious to chart 27 centuries of the history of one city but the book rather turns... Read more
Published on 19 Aug 2007 by Brian G. Muirhead
3.0 out of 5 stars
Think twice before choosing as pre-travel reading
This book is ok. I have read better organised popular history books and there seem to be a lack of them on Istanbul. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by Zephania Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
An ultra-great history read,
I guess, the best saying about Istanbul is from Petrus Gyllius, -a French humanist and diplomat- who had been to Istanbul during the age of Suleyman the Magnificent. Read more
Published on 20 Aug 2004 by S. YALCINKAYA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a studio prop!
When, in the popular film NOTTING HILL, the bookseller character (Hugh Grant) prominently recommended this book to the famous actress/bookstore customer character (Julia Roberts),... Read more
Published on 6 Aug 2004 by Joseph Haschka
2.0 out of 5 stars
Be very careful with this book ....
In theory I should love this book, as I love history, and Istanbul fascinates me, but .... I see this book for sale everywhere and it seems to be well regarded, but ... Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2004
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