The Siege and the Fall of Constantinople in 1453: Historiography, Topography, and Military Studies

This major study is a comprehensive scholarly work on a key moment in the history of Europe, the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The result of years of research, it presents all available sources along with critical evaluations of these narratives. The authors have consulted texts in all relevant languages, both those that remain only in manuscript and others that have been printed, often in careless and inferior editions. Attention is also given to 'folk history' as it evolved over centuries, producing prominent myths and folktales in Greek, medieval Russian, Italian, and Turkish folklore. Part I, The Pen, addresses the complex questions introduced by this myriad of original literature and secondary sources.

Table of Contents:
The Siege and the Fall of Constantinople in 1453

About the Author :
Marios Philippides is Chair and Senior Professor of Classics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA; Walter K. Hanak is Professor of History, Emeritus, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA

Review :
Classified as 'Research Essential' by Baker & Taylor YBP Library Services A Yankee Book Peddler US Core Title for 2011 'This is a monster of a book. It must be the most detailed assessment of the fall of Constantinople in 1453 that there has ever been. It subjects the scholarly literature devoted to the subject over the last century-and-a-half to a searching scrutiny. It is the work of two authors, who between them have a profound knowledge of the written sources, the bibliography, the topography and the material remains relating to the fall of Constantinople.' Reviews in History '... this is an exceptional work of research that is a great addition to the field. Summing Up: Recommended.' Choice '... it will be justifiably a central reference point for anyone who has a serious interest in the fall and the historiographical tradition that followed it. The work of Philippides and Hanak, here and elsewhere, is a necessary step toward future synthesis and narrative of one of the most famous events ever.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review '... this large book is both very necessary and extremely welcome... To sum up, this book is not a synthesis or narrative but a resource that places the evidence in context and explores the problems that arise from it. There is nothing else available that provides such detailed insights into the siege and as such it will be an invaluable work of reference for many years to come.' English Historical Review 'Cet ouvrage accompagne son lecteur au plus près des événements grâce aux très nombreuses citations de sources qu’il comporte, systématiquement traduites... La bibliographie, quasi exhaustive, et les annexes sont aussi très appréciables, en particulier la prosopographie des défenseurs de Constantinople, outil qui n’existait pas jusqu’ici... [L]’étudiant comme le spécialiste trouveront dans ce volumineux ouvrage matière à stimuler leur curiosité et à formuler de nouvelles questions sur l’enchaînement des événe