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The Great Siege

Malta 1565

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The Great Siege

By: Ernle Bradford
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

Suleiman the Magnificent, sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the most powerful ruler in the world, was determined to conquer Europe. Only one thing stood in his way: a dot of an island in the Mediterranean called Malta, which was occupied by the Knights of Saint John, the cream of the warriors of the Holy Roman Empire. A clash of civilizations was shaping up, the likes of which had not been seen since Persia invaded Greece. Determined to capture Malta and use its port to launch operations against Europe, Suleiman sent an armada and an overwhelming army. A few thousand defenders in Fort Saint Elmo fought to the last man, enduring cruel hardships. When the Turks captured the fort, they took no prisoners and mutilated the defenders’ bodies. Grand Master La Vallette of the Knights reciprocated by decapitating his Turkish prisoners and using their heads to cannonade the enemy. Then the battle for Malta began in earnest: no quarter asked, none given.

The Great Siege is not merely a gripping tale of brutality, courage, and tenacity but the saga of two mighty civilizations struggling for domination of the known world.

Ernle Bradford (1922–1986) was a prominent British historian specializing in the Mediterranean world and naval history. He served in the Royal Navy for the duration of World War II and later traveled throughout the Mediterranean, living for a while on Malta. He was a BBC broadcaster and magazine editor, as well as the author of many acclaimed books, including biographies on Cleopatra, Hannibal, and Caesar.

©2012 Ernle Bradford (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc
Military Siege Imperialism Ottoman Empire Royal Navy

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A fantastic story

I found this ti be a captivating story of strugfle against the odds. Recommended.

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Accurate and entertaining.

After having visited the forts around Valletta, I was looking for more depth on the history of the siege. I wish I had read this before visiting the forts. Highly recommend if you have been here or plan to visit.

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Amazing Storey

Great heroic event in Europian history. Very inspirational. Every boy should read it. Very well written.

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Great historical epic

Ernle Bradford eruditely and summarily captures the heroics and struggle that made the Great Siege of Malta. It is an inspiring story of heroism, chivalry, Christianity, and bravery that will be told so long as men still live who hold these values close to their heart.

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A ripping yarn, detailed history with loads of colour

An insight into a truely pivotal period in European history, when the tide of the Ottoman Empire was turned and western civilisation flourished

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Really enjoyable read

Excellent book and I learned a lot about this topic which I thought I already knew. Wished I had read this prior to my travels to Rhodes and Malta,

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As much of an Adventure Story as A History

Thoughly enjoyable. This is an light history and while serious students of history my find it a bit breezy it remains a worthy read

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hollywood blokbuster material.

add a few stars and dont exaggerate the storyline you suddenly have a Hollywood Epic.

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