Istanbul history books

[cruise kitty]

Hi, I'm almost done reading 1453, anyone have any other recommendations of books on Istanbul history, (already have the dk Istanbul guide as well as the Rick Steves, looking for more non fiction history) thank you.

[cruisemom42]

I really enjoyed reading "A Short History of Byzantium" by John Julius Norwich:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Byzantium-Julius-Norwich/dp/0679772693/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277779307&sr=1-2

 

Don't be fooled; it's not exactly short. However, it is a lot shorter than his 3-volume set (this is the condensed version).

[ab0si]

You got a good suggestion for the Roman period. The Ottoman Centuries http://www.amazon.com/Ottoman-Centuries-Lord-Kinross/dp/0688080936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277780050&sr=8-1 ) is an excellent introduction to the following empire. For the post-Ottoman, I would suggest one of the several good biographies of Ataturk ... an amazing man who shaped much of the 20th century .. and not just for Turkey. Ataturk: The Rebirth of a Nation is the classic of the field, but is currently out of print.

[cruise kitty]

thank you very much for the tips, learning some of history of the cities we visited last time really added to the enjoyment of the trip for us.