Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood--A History in Thirteen Centuries

Learned so much reading this book and at the same time enjoyed every page - so well written. Congratulations.

fantastic overview of the history of this unfortunate city, helps the reader to put into perspective recent woes as only one in a long series of destructions and rebuilding in a decadence process from the times of harun al rachid onwards. highly reccommended if you want to know more about the cradle of civilization and at the same time in-civilization (in the hands of the likes of Sadam, Tamerlan and company).

Fascinating read given the state of Baghdad today - in its heyday an intellectuals city then troubled by natural disasters and incursions by surrounding tribes and sacked by the northern raiders. Great writing, vivid descriptions of the many faces of life in a city over the centuries.

Excellent history of the magnificent "City of Piece". The first half of the book is truly astonishing. Highly recommended.

Great in depth history. Helped with a report. A lot of effort put in by author. Studying Baghdad I would say this was the best secondary source I found by far.

Would definitely recommend

An extremely thorough and unbiased historical perspective while being an interesting read. Excellent.

Very interesting historical read (actually a little depressing & dry), which could use less repetition and better chronological organisation.

A brilliant and well researched book which charts the story of this infamous city from its early years as the glittering capital of the Abbasid Caliphs through the centuries as it is sacked by the Mongols and Timur before becoming a regional city under the Ottomans before the British restored it as a capital of Iraq and on through the 20th century, overthrow of Saddam and the turbulent years that have followed. The author also tells the social side to the city and its colourful inhabitants who have populated the city through the centuries.I read an earlier book by Justin about Tamburlane (Timur) and thoroughly recommend it.

Wonderful book. What is so tragic about Baghdad is how through all its history it has had wonderfully successful times followed by devastatingly tragic times through both natural forces and wars. At times it has been full of beauty and art, which are then destroyed. What I find most amazing about Baghdad is the resilience of its people, how over hundred of years they have survived these frequent disasters and bounced back and moved forward. The current situation feels like history just repeating itself again. I hope that when the current dangerous situation is resolved that they eventually have peace and tranquillity in their wonderful city and country.

A very detailed and informative look at Bagdad from its beginnings to the modern day. I visited Bagdad in the late 1980's and felt for myself the fear and mistrust of a tyrannical regime. This book relates it all from the start. It makes you wonder if Iraq is ungovernable as a whole. Read it and judge for yourself.

Exceptionally good book, full of interest from first page to last, whether covering early days of Baghdad's civilisation and greatness or all the blunders, suffering, barbarism and chaos of more recent times. Marozzi is a gifted writer, and provides a vivid and readable history based on impressive research.

This book gives so much details of the book that I am lost for words. Excellent book