Istanbul

City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World

De: Thomas F. Madden

Narrado por: Edoardo Ballerini

The first single-volume history of Istanbul in decades: a biography of the city at the center of civilizations past and present.

For more than two millennia, Istanbul has stood at the crossroads of the world, perched at the very tip of Europe, gazing across the shores of Asia. The history of this city - known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, now Istanbul - is at once glorious, outsized, and astounding. Founded by the Greeks, its location blessed it as a center for trade but also made it a target of every empire in history, from Alexander the Great and his Macedonian Empire, to the Romans and later the Ottomans. At its most spectacular, Emperor Constantine I re-founded the city as New Rome, the capital of the eastern Roman Empire, and dramatically expanded the city, filling it with artistic treasures, and adorning the streets with opulent palaces. Around it all, Constantine built new walls, truly impregnable, that preserved power, wealth, and withstood any aggressor - walls that still stand for tourists to visit.

From its ancient past to the present, we meet the city through its ordinary citizens - the Jews, Muslims, Italians, Greeks, and Russians who used the famous baths and walked the bazaars - and the rulers who built it up and then destroyed it, including Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the man who christened the city "Istanbul" in 1930. Thomas Madden's entertaining narrative brings to life the city we see today, including the rich splendor of the churches and monasteries that spread throughout the city.

Istanbul draws on a lifetime of study and the latest scholarship, transporting listeners to a city of unparalleled importance and majesty that holds the key to understanding modern civilization. In the words of Napoleon Bonaparte, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital."

©2016 Thomas F. Madden (P)2016 Recorded Books

One of my favorites !

I love audiobooks and have listened to many. This one easily is in my top 3. The story was extremely well written without lots of fluff and offered a fabulous summary in 300 pages of the 2,000 year history of Istanbul. The author struck the perfect balance between detail and big picture. The narrator's voice and pacing was perfectly suited to the story and enhanced the overall experience. Together, the story and narration, make this one of my favorite audiobooks of all time.

Great

Fascinating love it. Learned a lot well written easy to follow. Can’t wait to visit

Excellent History

This historical treatment of the fascinating city and her main characters is thorough, yet manages to tell its story in a succinct manner for the armchair reader. This was a great introduction to the city for me prior to my first visit.

A must read

I read it to prep for a visit and it excels there but it is really a history of the whole western civilization.

Fabulous

Excellent book by the author of Venice : A New History. Well researched and the reader is clear.

Fascinating history

In preparation of a visit, I wanted to know more of the city’s history. This was an excellent source.

Very good history of Istanbul.

Good narration and a well detailed and thoroughly explained history of Constantinople and Istanbul through modern times.

Audio noise unacceptable

Reader good. Book was recommended by a trusted History Podcaster. The recording is too noisy to enjoy.

How did I miss the amazing history of Istanbul

I do don’t usually enjoy non fiction history books, finding them dry. I’m more inclined to read historical novels. However Thomas Madden has done a superb job of presenting 2,500 year of history about this amazing city and people. I’m heading out on a cruise (with COVID and Russia’s war on Ukraine’s cooperation) from Istanbul to Athens and i felt a need to educate myself about the City. Wow!! The author presents the 2,500 year history in a easily followed, interesting, entertaining way which is no small feat. Edoardo Ballerini does a great job narrating this story. Kudos to both author and narrator!! Thank you for opening this history with all it’s drama and color.

A must read

Anyone who wants to know the history of the world end of Christianity, needs to read this book.