Great book and audio book.

This is a spectacular book. Istanbul is one of those rare places on Earth where the implications of its thousands of years of history are still entirely relevant to its culture and the challenges it faces today. Bettany tells us its history in a well thought out and compelling manner. It will almost certainly change your perspective on this city and its people.

I would not hesitate to purchase this as an audiobook. Bettany's passion for her project is made clear not just by the detail in her book, but by the engaging delivery in her reading.

I think it is essential listening for anyone who has an interest in history because the story is delivered in such a dynamic manner. It will appeal to both young and old readers.

If, like me, Istanbul and Turkey have a special place in your heart, this book will take you on an unforgettable journey. All the same, if you have never given Istanbul's history a second thought, you're in for a tremendous surprise.

I am now eagerly awaiting any future releases from Bettany. Well done.

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2 people found this helpful

Byzantine in a good way!

This must have been a monumental task. A history of any period is full of corridors and dark corners to explore, let alone three millennia of fascinating and often convoluted events of mind-boggling complexity. Such an endeavour would drown the average historian in the abyss of the Marmara Sea. (Which is 500 metres deep, by the way.) Somehow, Bettany Hughes managed to stay on task. She must have a vicious editor, either that or be very disciplined in her own decision-making on what was essential to the overall driving narrative.
If you are expecting a Martin Gilbert like blow-by-blow without analysis, this is not the book for you. For Byzantium, Constantinople or Istanbul, you will need a Bodleian library of books for that kind of detail. Also, a working knowledge of Latin, Greek and Turkish would help if that's the way you want to go. However, this is a work of skill and passion which attempts to link the present with the past smoothly without tipping you up in the cracks in the mosaic floors.
As for narrative performance, Bettany has a very clear English voice, but very occasionally drops it for emphasis, rather than projecting it. I had to repeat passages to catch it. Projection is an actor's skill that could be quickly learned. Apart from that, it is a job well done.
I enjoyed this bird's eye view of the panorama that is Istanbul. With listening to history, you have to be quick to look up the maps and references to certain events or persons that pique your interest. One good addition to the next supplementary PDF would be some maps.
But for these tiny annoyances, I would have given it five stars.

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Fascinating City

A fascinating history of a city straddling many worlds. With many influences, it was interesting to learn the many different stories that have contributed to the city we know today.

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