This week we take a look at some more great new history books that you might want to get your hands on.
Charles King’s ‘Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul’ traces the transformation of the great and ancient city of Istanbul during the interwar period. It follows the fortune of this cultural and religious centre as it passed from Allied control into the hands of the Turkish nationalists, only to see Ankara enshrined as the capital of the new Turkish Republic.
Far from being forgotten Istanbul flourished under Ataturk’s new secular vision, embracing the fashions and trappings that were sweeping the world during the Roaring Twenties and jazz infused Thirties. Far from a backwater it remained plugged into the international pulse. A must read for those interested in the history of this gateway between West and East.
Its straddling of the Bosporus made Istanbul a trading hub throughout history, giving the city much of its power and culture. The importance of naval travel and commerce in the history of mankind is explored in Lincoln Paine’s ‘The Sea and Civilisation: A Maritime History of the World’. Still connecting the world through billions of tons of trade a year sailing was the fasted mode of travel for most of our history.
In his book Lincoln looks at how the oceans and seas of the world have changed and connected the world. We see the role water played in the rise of the great Empires of the Ancient World, the sharing of ideas, and how vital it was in shaping the world we live in today. Anyone with an interest in maritime history or the history of globalisation should grab a copy of ‘The Sea and Civilisation’.
Of the great seafarers throughout history the Vikings stand out as the most renowned. These accomplished and hardy explorers are the focus of Philip Parker’s ‘The Northmen’s Fury: A History of the Viking World’. Starting with the arrival of Viking longboats and their fearsome cargo on the coasts of England in the 9th century Philip explores how and why the Vikings set off for far distant shores and what life was like for these tough Nordic peoples as they sought out and found new lands.
Looking beyond the helmets, horns, and axes Philip uncovers the complexities of Viking society; the laws, poems, sexual relations, and politics. ‘The Northmen’s Fury’ paints an intricate and full picture of a people often reduced to a caricature. This will thrill anyone who has an interest in the great northern seafarers.
