Constantinople, painted by Warwick Goble, described by Alexander Van Millingen

Step into a world where history and art intertwine, guided by a scholar’s keen eye and an illustrator’s vivid brush. The narrative opens with the rise of Constantinople under Emperor Constantine, tracing how a modest settlement became the crown jewel of an empire. Along the way, readers discover the shifting power dynamics that turned Rome from a sovereign capital into one city among many, setting the stage for a new imperial vision.

Complementing the text are more than seventy full‑page colour plates that bring bustling bazaars, serene mosques, and the iconic Galata Bridge to life. Warwick Goble’s delicate renderings capture everyday scenes—flower‑sellers, blacksmiths, and the shimmering waters of the Golden Horn—while the author’s commentary provides context and insight. Together they offer a richly textured portrait of a city at the crossroads of East and West, inviting listeners to explore its layered past and vibrant present.