Product Description

The Ottoman Empire began in 1453 when Mehmed the Conqueror entered Constantinople on a white horse, and it ended in 1924 when the final sultan, Abdulmecid, hurriedly left on the Orient Express. This book gives an account of Constantinople and its ruling family.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #428707 in Books
• Published on: 1997-11-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 544 pages

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Book on Istanbul and Ottoman History
This is an excellent book on Ottoman History and particularly on the history of Istanbul. Philip Mansel has explored almost every aspect of social and political life of Constantinople. I found fascinating the stories associated with Sultans, harems, ceremonies, intrigues inside the palace, etc.

An objective look to Constantinople's history
Constantinople: City of the World's Desire, by Philip Mansel is one brilliant book on the history of Ottoman Empire from 1453 focusing on Istanbul, the Imperial city.

The most prominent feature of the book is its objectivity. Even if you are unfamiliar with the subject, you can still appreciate this feature. More than telling stories it tells you history, by giving numbers, dates, facts and by comparing them to the contemporary countries, civilisations and cultures. Thus you can understand the circumstances of the era and make your own conclusions.

The book is very well-written. It is very pleasant to read and makes you desire to visit this imperial city and see all those historical places with your own eyes.

Amazingly detailed, Exhaustively researched: Top-Notch!
This is a fascinating and comprehensive history. It's both an amazing academic work and a "page-turner". If you have even a passing interest in Ottoman Istanbul then buy this book.