Resting on two continents, Turkey reflects and absorbs the cultures of both East and West and nowhere is this more evident than along its Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. This is a land immersed in history and mythology: it is where Anthony met Cleopatra, where Herodotus, the ""father"" of history, was born and where legendary battles were fought--from Alexander the Great to Gallipoli. The Western Shores of Turkey is the distillation of a succession of journeys that John Freely made along this coast--an odyssey spanning a quarter of a century. By bus, car and caique, on foot and post boat, from Istanbul to Antakya (Antioch) on the Syrian border, he discovered the charm of modern Turkey and the wonders of its past. The result is both an informative guide and a remarkable travelogue for all who follow in his footsteps.

""The knowledge and experience which [John Freely] has compressed into his book make it remarkably authoritative and comprehensive...the record of a journey undertaken by a man effortlessly able to convey in depth the meaning of what he sees.""--Marlena Frick, Scotsman, Edinburgh

""John Freely, in this highly informative book, aims to provide an informal guide to the archaeological sites and historical monuments of this beautiful part of Asia Minor...and to evoke the spirit of these places for those who are embarking upon their own odysseys...he succeeds admirably in both.""--Geoffrey Page, Going Places

""With modern map and classical atlas to hand he [John Freely] makes his way along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, skillfully merging past and present as he visits scores of ancient sites, quotes Herodotus and Homer, Sappho and Scripture, and provides detailed plans and useful appendices for like-minded travellers. For them it is to be hoped that a paperback version will soon be available.""--Church Times

""John Freely is the perfect guide to the fabled cities of Turkey's epic past bringing alive the many civilisations that once flourished along her Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. An essential book for all visitors to Western Turkey.""--Publishing News