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Interesting look at the incredible city of Constantinople as it survived an enormous number of sieges...

Books Monthly

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

"The Forty Sieges of Constantinople: The Great City and its Survival" is a new book by John D. Grainger, to be published by Pen and Sword. I am reviewing this text based on an ARC graciously provided to me by the publisher. To begin with, it is worth noting that the book delivers on the promise it in its title, unlike any number of books I have recently encountered. It is both well documented and well written. One might quibble with the authors rather flexible definition of "sieges," but once you are really into the heart of the book, you quickly see why. Constantinople, New Rome, Byzantium or Istanbul, the city's history, largely thanks to its location at a natural kind of crossroads between the East and the West, is a violent one that demonstrates many of the features of evolving warfare, particularly in the medieval and early modern period. This reason alone makes the read well worthwhile, but there is a great deal more on offer as the author skillfully negotiates the rather byzantine history of this region of the world (sorry, couldn't resist it) with authority and a clear understanding of his source materials and both their virtues and shortcomings. He covers the existence of human settlement fairly comprehensively (to the extent that is possible), so whatever period of the city's history you may already feel some knowledge of, you are certain to find other jewels to attract your attention as it is carefully placed in a context going back well before the Roman Empire to the early 20th century. Context is a wonderful thing! I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in todays world in the Middle East or simply seeking to better understand our collective past.

NetGalley, William Harris