The Western coast of Turkey has captivated travellers for centuries. With its dramatic mountains and idyllic bays and promontories, scattered with ancient ruins, it is not only one of the most beautiful parts of the country, but is also of great historical interest. Resting on two continents, Turkey reflects and absorbs the cultures of both East and West and nowhere is this more evident than along its Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. This is a land immersed in history and mythology: it is where Anthony met Cleopatra, where Herodotus, the 'father' of history, was born and where legendary battles were fought â from Alexander the Great to Gallipoli. The Western Shores of Turkey is the distillation of a succession of journeys that John Freely made along this coast - an odyssey spanning a quarter of a century. By bus, car and caique, on foot and post boat, from Istanbul to Antakya (Antioch) on the Syrian border, he discovered both the charm of modern Turkey and the wonders of its past. The result is both an informative guide and a remarkable travelogue for all who follow in his footsteps. âJohn Freely's enchanting guide to the western shores of Turkeyâ¦is a work of genuine scholarshipâ¦charmingly conveyedâ¦I fell in love with the book and stayed enamoured until the final page. The Western Shores of Turkey will accompany me when I revisit Anatoliaâ¦The book exhibits a profound affection for the Turks and their language and culture.âThe Sunday Times 'The knowledge and experience which [John Freely] has compressed into his book make it remarkably authoritative and comprehensiveâ¦the record of a journey undertaken by a man effortlessly able to convey in depth the meaning of what he sees.'Marlene Frick, The Scotsman 'John Freely, in this highly informative book, aims to provide an informal guide to the archaeological sites and historical monuments of this beautiful part of Asia Minorâ¦and to evoke the spirit of these places for those who are embarking upon their own odysseysâ¦he succeeds admirably in both.'Geoffrey Page, Going Places 'With modern map and classical atlas to hand he makes his way along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, skilfully merging past and present as he visits scores of ancient sitesâ¦and provides detailed plans and useful appendices for like-minded travellers. For them it is hoped that a paperback version will soon be available.'Church Times 'John Freelyâ¦is the perfect guide to the fabled cities of Turkey's epic past. An essential books for all visitors to Western Turkey.'Publishing News
Price history
Jan 21, 2023
€19.18