John Freely Boeken

Nymans is one of the National Trust’s most popular properties, a vision of English tradition amid a landscape of rolling woodland. Yet appearances can be deceptive. The manor house is just a hundred years old, and the Messel family who built it were not English aristocracy but German Jewish immigrants. The vision was their triumphant creation. From Refugees to Royalty is the first book to chart the extraordinary journey of the Messel family from their roots in Germany to their new life in England. At the heart of the story lies an astonishing irony. The earliest Messels were turned into refugees by an edict of the British royal family, when George III issued a decree expelling the Jews. Two hundred years later, the wheel came full circle when the youngest Messel, Tony Armstrong-Jones, walked down the aisle with Princess Margaret, four times great-granddaughter of George III. John Hilary is a great-great-grandson of Ludwig Messel, who founded the garden at Nymans. In this beautifully illustrated book, full of colour, heartache and celebrity, he documents the rich cultural legacy of the Messels as world-famous designers, collectors, scientists and architects.

Long-awaited new edition, with superb coverage of all the major monuments, Classical, Christian and Islamic, with details on how to get around, food and accommodation.

This is the astonishing story of Sabbatai Sevi, 17th-century rabbi, Kabbalist and probable manic depressive, who convinced large numbers of Jews throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa that he was their long-awaited Messiah. And then, on threat of painful death from the Turkish Sultan, apparently converted to Islam and in so doing created the strange Donme sect - outwardly Muslim, yet clinging secretly to Sabbatai's strange form of mystical Judaism - a sect that may survive to this day.

Long before the European Renaissance, while the western world was languishing in what was once called the 'Dark Ages', the Arab world was ablaze with the creativity of its Golden Age. This is the story of how Islamic science, which began in eighth-century Baghdad, enhanced the knowledge acquired from Greece, Mesopotamia, India and China. Through the astrologers, physicians, philosophers, mathematicians and alchemists of the Muslim world, this knowledge influenced western thinkers from Thomas Aquinas and Copernicus and helped inspire the Renaissance and give birth to modern science.

Sultan Mehmet II, the Grand Turk, was the seventh of his line to rule the Ottoman Turks. Mehmet was barely 21 when he conquered Byzantine Constantinople, which became Istanbul and the capital of his mighty empire. This biography reveals the world in which Mehmet lived and illuminates the man... číst celé

With unparalleled knowledge and passion, John Freely guides the traveller through all of those places linked to Homer that can be identified and brings Homer and his world vividly to life, revealing how the Homeric epics continue to echo through the ages in literatuture, art, legend and folklore.

This classic guide to Istanbul by Hilary Summer-Boyd and John Freely - the 'best travel guide to Istanbul' ("The Times"), 'a guide book that reads like a novel' ("New York Times") - is here, for the first time since its original publication thirty-seven years ago, published in a completely revised and updated new edition. Taking the reader on foot through this captivating city - European City of Culture 2010 - the authors describe the historic monuments and sites of what was once Constantinople and the capital in turn of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, in the context of the great living city. Woven throughout are vivid anecdotes, secret histories, hidden gems and every major place of interest the traveler will want to see. Practical and informative, readable and vividly described, this is the definitive guide to and story of Istanbul, by those who know it best.

The guide offers an in-depth exploration of Crete, shaped by the author's immersive summer experience in a Venetian tower. It combines rich historical context, mythology, and personal travel insights, making it essential for visitors. Detailed itineraries and maps highlight key cities, palaces, churches, and culturally significant sites, ensuring travelers can fully appreciate the island's diverse offerings.

Offering a comprehensive exploration of the Cyclades, this guide highlights the islands' stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. It provides insights into local traditions, must-visit sites, and practical travel tips, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to experience the beauty and uniqueness of these Greek islands. The guide emphasizes both popular destinations and hidden gems, ensuring a well-rounded journey through this picturesque archipelago.

The western coast of Turkey has captivated travellers for centuries. With its dramatic mountains and idyllic bays, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. This book is a distillation of the journeys that the author has made through the region over a period of 25 years.