"Fidler displays great charm in the telling of his tale, spicing it with delicious gossip."
– The New York Times Book Review
"Byzantium, Constantinople, and Istanbul—a three thousand year story of phantasms and delusions, of invasion, collapse, empire, decay, a tragic continuo of golden and grandiloquent hopelessness, an erotic magic-show poised at the sea-washed edges of Asia and Europe. All of this provides a canvas for Richard Fidler to reconstruct, quite brilliantly, a saga of power and glory that most of us vaguely remember, but few of us have had a chance fully to savor. Now, thanks to the stylish cleverness of an exceptionally curious and talented man, we can feast on what strange magic the city brought—and still brings today—to the world beyond. I am speechless with admiration."
– Simon Winchester
"Fidler’s prose is lively and entertaining; he has a great affection for his subject and often describes it in a way that makes it seem magical. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in traveling to Istanbul and in its history."
– Library Journal (starred)
"Australian radio personality Fidler recounts a trip to Turkey with his son in this surprisingly diverting tome that elucidates the rise and fall of Nova Roma. Fidler colors the contours of ancient history while sharing personal reminiscences of his travels with his son."
– Publishers Weekly
"The author navigates fluidly from the city's founding by Constantine, the first Christian ruler, moving on to the significant rule of Justinian and his strong-willed wife, Theodora, construction of the Hagia Sophia, schisms, plagues, Crusades, sieges, and the creation of the ‘deep state’ that resonates today under Turkey's current authoritarian prime minister. Fidler provides a palpable sense of this glittering city built as ‘a mirror of heaven.’"
– Kirkus Reviews
"Fidler’s story leaves its readers with a sense of faith in the renewing, illuminating, social powers of historical narrative. The tale of the Ghost Empire has bridged the gap between a father and son, enriching the contemporary world with the echoes of the past. Byzantium never really died. Its labyrinthine—its byzantine—intrigues cast their shadows over the city still."
– Sydney Morning Herald
