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1453: The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West
1453 The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West
Author: Roger Crowley
Now in trade paperback, a gripping exploration of the fall of Constantinople and its connection to the world we live in today The fall of Constantinople in 1453 signaled a shift in history, and the end of the Byzantium Empire. Roger Crowley's readable and comprehensive account of the battle between Mehmed II, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and Co...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781401308506
ISBN-10: 1401308503
Publication Date: 8/15/2006
Pages: 328
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2

4.3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Hyperion
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 5
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed 1453: The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I found this to be an excellent historical book on the fall of Constantinople. I failed to see the bias towards Muslims that this book had allegedly portrayed-- maybe because I wasn't looking for it. It starts slow, but once you get to the siege, it is a lot more entertaining, for obvious reason. Unfortunately, the book also ends slow, as there is quite a few pages written on the aftermath. Overall, I thought it was a fabulous book worth of anyone's self.
reviewed 1453: The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West on
Helpful Score: 2
A little tough going at first, but mostly because I am not familiar with 1) the geography of the Middle East (there are 2 maps in the front of the book and I used Google Earth a lot until I got my bearings...) and 2) the time period in which the book was written. I think the author makes a few assumptions about his readers.

However, once I got going, I found it to be a very enjoyable read! The author does a great job piecing a lot of primary source material into a coherent and readable story. In the afterword he discusses some of the variations in the story and admits he chose certain versions to make for a better story - without diluting the main text down by offering up or discussing these variations within the main text.

Overall, a good read. If you're interested in the history of conflict in the Middle East, or military history, or want to learn a little more about the crusades/middle ages/rise of the Ottoman Empire, I'd recommend this book.
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shukween avatar reviewed 1453: The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West on + 118 more book reviews
very nice review of the history of Constantinople. not dry, very readable.


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