I was looking forward to reading this book as I’ve always been interested in Turkish history, anything Turkiye-related, and Istanbul (previously Constantinople) is one of my favorite cities. I suppose the book is an adequately factual account of the forty sieges on the city based on the appendix of research references at the end of the book. However, I expected the writing and account to be more engaging, interesting, and contextualized with some color added about the people who laid siege to the city. Instead it felt more like a straight historical timeline and was a bit of a slog. Overall the book confirmed for me the importance of the strategic position that Istanbul occupies and why the powers that be throughout the ages vied to control this multicultural city. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Dr. Grainger has created a serviceable one-volume history of one of the most sought-after cities in the world. Part Europe part Asia astride the gates to Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe. From Roman times to the first World War Constantinople or Istanbul as it is now known has remained a prize to be fought over.

"The Forty Sieges of Constantinople: The Great City and its Survival" is a new book by John D. Grainger, to be published by Pen and Sword. I am reviewing this text based on an ARC graciously provided to me by the publisher. To begin with, it is worth noting that the book delivers on the promise it in its title, unlike any number of books I have recently encountered. It is both well documented and well written. One might quibble with the authors rather flexible definition of "sieges," but once you are really into the heart of the book, you quickly see why. Constantinople, New Rome, Byzantium or Istanbul, the city's history, largely thanks to its location at a natural kind of crossroads between the East and the West, is a violent one that demonstrates many of the features of evolving warfare, particularly in the medieval and early modern period. This reason alone makes the read well worthwhile, but there is a great deal more on offer as the author skillfully negotiates the rather byzantine history of this region of the world (sorry, couldn't resist it) with authority and a clear understanding of his source materials and both their virtues and shortcomings. He covers the existence of human settlement fairly comprehensively (to the extent that is possible), so whatever period of the city's history you may already feel some knowledge of, you are certain to find other jewels to attract your attention as it is carefully placed in a context going back well before the Roman Empire to the early 20th century. Context is a wonderful thing! I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in todays world in the Middle East or simply seeking to better understand our collective past.