Hello people! I was wondering if any of you could recommend a book (or series of books) that talks about the history of Constantinople from 395 up until the present day if possible. It might seem like a lot but some time ago I heard about a book like this, but I didn't look into it. Having said this, does anyone know of such a book?
So I will recommend a combination of books. For the Roman period, John Julius Norwich’s work on Byzantium is top notch. There are three volumes though for expedience I would recommend the combined/abridged “A Short History of Byzantium”. Even as a single volume it is detailed almost to the point of monotony but is absolutely quintessential for anything related to the ERE.
From 1453 on I would recommend “The Ottoman Centuries” by Lord Kinross. It begins at Osman himself so it actually starts before Mehmed II takes Constantinople. Lord Kinross has also apparently written a fantastic biography of Ataturk but I have not read it so I prefer not to comment beyond that.
Hope this helps my friend. Happy reading!