Cairo to Constantinople: Francis Bedford's Photographs of the Middle East Hardcover – May 1, 2013

This is simply splendid book which would have great appeal for photography buffs and historians alike. As someone interested in the ancient world, it is interesting to see what happens when the past, the 19th century and photography come together, all wrapped in a compelling story about the Prince of Wales and his journey to Egypt and parts of the Middle East. It has captured some rather remarkable moments in time.

Truly original and sophisticated. Wonderful photographs from another era. A fabulous gift for a lover of history and/or the Middle East.

Queen Victoria, once revered monarch of the British Empire and later renowned empress of India (among other dubious royal titles) commissioned this early photographic documentation of the Holy Lands in 1862. The photography is excellent for the time period, and covers parts of Syria, Israel, Lebanon as well as Egypt and Turkey. It follows an established route of late 19th century travelers popularized by Thomas Cook & Son itineraries.The book is the official Royal Trust Collection publication of an exhibition at the Queen's Gallery in Buckingham Palace. The occasion was the Grand Tour of the Ottoman Empire by Prince Albert of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). There was a similar exhibition and publication entitled 'Splendors of the Subcontinent'. It tells the tale of Edward's 1875 travels to India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka through the state gifts he brought back.The hardcover edition of this volume is made to last. Heavy slick paper, luckily stitched, but unfortunately bound into cardboard covers (printed with images from the journey). It is an important document of diplomatic and photographic history. If your interests lie in the recent history and archaeology of the ancient near east it is a great choice. Combined with David Roberts paintings of the region from the late 1830's you can't go wrong.

Beautiful evocative old photos of the Middle East in the mid-1950's

The photos and narrative brought the 1800's trip alive. Well packaged, beautiful quality photos, and enjoyable to revisit time and again.