The Western Shores of Turkey: Discovering the Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts (Tauris Parke Paperbacks)

This book greatly exceeded my expectations, going far beyond the meager array of major group-tour stops and providing a virtual encyclopedia of historic sites, not only along Turkey's western shores, but also along the Mediterranean shore, across Lycia, Pamphylia, and Cilicia. Although the book is rather encyclopedic, Freely has a congenial style, neither bombastic nor sterile, and only inoffensively, charmingly romantic; he presents a wealth of ancient lore rather uncritically, which is necessary to refrain from inordinately expanding the already-sizeable book and to abstain from inapposite, drab argumentation. When and if I am able to travel to such extent as to follow in Freely's many footsteps here, this book will be my companion. History, geography, culture, architecture -- a literary cornucopia. [Footnote: In spanning such distances of time and space in a single volume, Freely lends uncritical credence to a great deal of ancient lore, including the Mopsos fable. So, keep an open mind on nebulous ancient history.]

This is a personal account of travels along Turkey's Aegean shore, with a strong emphasis on history and archaology. The author has a detailed knowledge of all the periods of Turkish history and places each archaeologic site in its historical context: original inhabitants, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Selcuk Turks and Ottomans, into the twentieth century. He also identifies sites associated with various mythologic and biblical events and those related to Homer's Troy. It's a bit encyclopedic but never boring, and greatly enhances a trip to Turkish Anatolia.

Good guide to the coast and trip planning and could use more photos, great maps. worth the price.

This is the only companion you will need.

Really great book that is super detailed and provides all the right tips for what to see on the western coast of turkey. Great for archaeology and great storytelling.

Most useful book--long reading-- for background on Western Turkey--aside from recent release book about the Gret Fire in Smurna.

A Charming book that delivers excellent background information on the ancient sites. Although it says it's the 2006 edition this has been reprinted not updated, so the descriptions are as of 1985 or so. Given that the author uses Strabo and Homer as a guide to what is where, one can hardly say that the book is out of date, but much has happened since the 1980s.For instance, there have been extensive excavations at Troy and more pertinently it has a perimeter fence and entrance booth so the description of wandering round and off to a castle a mile or so distant just isn't so anymore. On the other hand the description of Ephesus was better than the (cheapest) guidebook on sale there, and showed just how much of the site is now 'out of bounds' to visitors. Priene, where he had to ask a farmer to drive him in on a tractor, is now on a minibus day trip from Seljuk. Likewise the rough roads near Assos are now served by Dolmus.So, if you want to know a bit more about where you are visiting, (I used George Bean's Turkey's Southern Shore 20 odd years ago and was looking for something similar) this guide is excellent. However if you are wanting to know about the main sites and how to get there etc. you are better sticking with your Rough Guide/ Lonely Planet and buying a more detailed guide at the site if you feel inspired.

This added a further dimension when I visited the classical sites of Turkey, bringing many sites to life with the stories and history behind what is now no more than a pile of stones - but what stones!!! And what stories!!

Great product just as described. Book was in perfect condition.