Scan barcode
kiwi_fruit's review against another edition
5.0
The scope of this book is ambitious, and yet Fidler manages to squeeze in 500 pages the story of one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities of the ancient world. Constantinople became the richest, most lavish and most important Christian city in the world. The history of this enchanting city is presented in an accessible and engaging way: from its beginnings as a Greek settlement in 657 BC with the name of Byzantium, to its inauguration as the new Roman capital by Constantin I bearing the new name of Constantinople, down the dazzling number of rulers and generals, including shrewd emperors and fascinating empresses (whose lives featured murders, beheading, betrayals, incest, nose mutilation and blinding), to the prolonged siege that saw the city fall to the sultan Mehmet II of the Ottoman Turks.
The reader follows Fidler and his son, Joe, who travel to Europe in 2014, on a quest to visit the places of the late Byzantine Empire. Part travelogue part history book, the author mix legends with historical accounts to recreate the wonder and richness of the vanished empire that lasted for a millennium after the collapse of the Western Roman empire (Constantinople was founded in 330 AD and the Byzantine empire ended in 1543 AD). The author takes some interesting detours from his tale to introduce the Western romans (which Fidler calls Latins reserving the name Romans for the Byzantines), the Persian empire, the Arabs, the Vikings, etc. without losing the focus of the book.
Fidler is a marvelous storyteller, despite not being a historian, his work is well researched. He provides maps and images of architectural structures, statues, artifacts etc., includes precise dates and places, carefully retracing the genealogical roots of important historical figures. The end of the book includes notes and an extensive bibliography for reference and further study.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader, you won’t be disappointed by this one. 4.5 stars
The reader follows Fidler and his son, Joe, who travel to Europe in 2014, on a quest to visit the places of the late Byzantine Empire. Part travelogue part history book, the author mix legends with historical accounts to recreate the wonder and richness of the vanished empire that lasted for a millennium after the collapse of the Western Roman empire (Constantinople was founded in 330 AD and the Byzantine empire ended in 1543 AD). The author takes some interesting detours from his tale to introduce the Western romans (which Fidler calls Latins reserving the name Romans for the Byzantines), the Persian empire, the Arabs, the Vikings, etc. without losing the focus of the book.
Fidler is a marvelous storyteller, despite not being a historian, his work is well researched. He provides maps and images of architectural structures, statues, artifacts etc., includes precise dates and places, carefully retracing the genealogical roots of important historical figures. The end of the book includes notes and an extensive bibliography for reference and further study.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader, you won’t be disappointed by this one. 4.5 stars
auspea's review against another edition
5.0
Who needs Game of Thrones? Ghost Empire's tales of intrigue, betrayal,war, atrocities, love and lust is exciting as any fiction. Richard Fidler weaves a rich tapestry of personalities spanning a thousand years. What I most enjoyed was his character centric story telling. I have to admit that although I consider myself pretty well read with a decent grasp on History, I never considered Byzantium the Roman Empire. Its amazed me when I realized the Roman Empire existed during Christopher Columbus's lifetime.
bookstorian's review against another edition
4.0
My first ever audio book complete!
When I first purchased this book, well over a year ago, I was slightly disappointed as I really thought this was a fictional story. When I picked it up, it just wasn't the time to read it.
When I discovered it existed as an audio book I thought it would be a perfect way to start the day. I adored listening to Richard's voice for at least 2 weeks during my commute to and from work. He is an Aussie Rick Steeves in my opinion. In addition to starting my day, I have learnt so much about the Roman Empire, one that intrigues me to this day. There were certainly shivers when Richard speaks about the landmarks and artefacts of Rome which I have visited myself (including the statue of Constantine at the Capitoline museum and the Colosseum).
I did get a little lost and zone out during the stories which involved war, which is usually the part of history I find the most boring. I could keep track regardless as Richard usually goes off in tangents and then back again.
I lived for the little tid bits about the introduction of the fork, the growing of silk in the west, how the image of an angel came about and the double headed eagle.
It's such a same that modern Constantinople (Istanbul) is so very unsafe at the moment for travellers. It is so richly clad in ghosts and their stories. I think it is really unfortunate that many people do not know the glorious history of the Byzantium empire.
When I first purchased this book, well over a year ago, I was slightly disappointed as I really thought this was a fictional story. When I picked it up, it just wasn't the time to read it.
When I discovered it existed as an audio book I thought it would be a perfect way to start the day. I adored listening to Richard's voice for at least 2 weeks during my commute to and from work. He is an Aussie Rick Steeves in my opinion. In addition to starting my day, I have learnt so much about the Roman Empire, one that intrigues me to this day. There were certainly shivers when Richard speaks about the landmarks and artefacts of Rome which I have visited myself (including the statue of Constantine at the Capitoline museum and the Colosseum).
I did get a little lost and zone out during the stories which involved war, which is usually the part of history I find the most boring. I could keep track regardless as Richard usually goes off in tangents and then back again.
I lived for the little tid bits about the introduction of the fork, the growing of silk in the west, how the image of an angel came about and the double headed eagle.
It's such a same that modern Constantinople (Istanbul) is so very unsafe at the moment for travellers. It is so richly clad in ghosts and their stories. I think it is really unfortunate that many people do not know the glorious history of the Byzantium empire.
librarykath's review
4.0
I could listen to Richard Fidler forever. I listened to the audiobook version of Ghost Empire and was transported back into a rich history of the Byzantine Empire, interspersed with a father's loving story of a trip to Istanbul with his son. Richard has the gift of being able to make history feel relevant while capturing the passage of time. This book is never dry or dull, but fascinating and often transports you off into a dreamy plane of contemplation of the nature of humanity. Richard's narration is clear and engaging and he has a gift for tenderness often excluded from the writing of men, and the writing of history.
jadorelire's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed this overview of the history of one of my favorite cities, and if he covered this span of history which as much depth as I would have enjoyed the book would have been at least three times longer.
devilstatedan's review against another edition
5.0
This is the story of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) told by the author who professes to be a "history enthusiast, and not a historian". The author is legendary Australian journalist, broadcaster, and comedic artist Richard Fidler, and he tells the story of the Byzantine Empire while travelling through the region with his son on an exploratory tour of history and culture. Very well written and beautifully accessible history!
nicholasbobbitt1997's review against another edition
3.0
As Fidler himself admits, he's not a professional historian; only a fan of history. While I thoroughly enjoyed his writing style and subject, I think I'd rather try to find a history from a historian about this subject rather than stick with a story wherein he takes supernatural explanations at face value.
More...