The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek isles, renowned for the beauty of their seascapes, their historical monuments, and a unique way of life deeply rooted in the remote past of the Aegean. Over the course of more than 7,000 years the Cyclades have seen a succession of civilizations, the earliest of them perpetuated in legends such as that of Atlantis, which has been identified with volcanic Santorini. The islands are arrayed around their sacred centre on Delos, where Leto was said to have given birth to the divine twins Apollo and Artemis, children of Zeus. Dionysus was born on olive-embowered Naxos, where he fell in love with Ariadne, and myths relate that Poseidon was the protector of Tinos, whose mid-summer festival of the Virgin is celebrated with the folk-dances and songs for which the Cyclades are famous. In this comprehensive guide to the Cyclades, John Freely describes the immemorial past and timeless present of these enchanting islands, which still await discovery._x000D__x000D_"A charming and informative companion for anyone exploring these enchanting islands." Andrew Steed, Stanfords_x000D__x000D_PRAISE FOR JOHN FREELY'S OTHER WORKS_x000D__x000D_The Western Shores of Turkey: Discovering the Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts_x000D__x000D_'Enchanting guidea work of genuine scholarship, lightly worn and charmingly conveyed. I fell in love with the book and stayed enamoured until the final page.' Paul Bailey, The Sunday Times_x000D__x000D_'the record of a journey undertaken by a man effortlessly able to convey in depth the meaning of what he sees.' _x000D_Marlena Frick, Scotsman, Edinburgh_x000D__x000D_'John Freely's magnificent walking guide to the city.'_x000D_Anthony Sattin, Book of the Week, Sunday Times_x000D__x000D_Strolling Through Istanbul_x000D__x000D_'a classic. The best travel guide to Istanbul' The Times_x000D__x000D_Inside the Seraglio: Private Lives of the Sultans in Istanbul_x000D__x000D_'Freely provides a fascinating, easy-to-follow overview, beautifully researched and riveting in its detail.' Christopher Fowler, Independent on Sunday_x000D__x000D_'A richly-coloured, highly entertaining book that I wished I'd had to hand when I strolled around the Topkapi.' Lawrence James, The Times_x000D__x000D_Istanbul: The Imperial City_x000D__x000D_'This is the handiest single volume to take with you as you explore this most intriguing of cities' Robert Carver, Scotsman_x000D__x000D_'Freely abounds in colourful details' _x000D_Philip Mansel, Independent_x000D__x000D_'This study uncovers nuggets of information while having the charm of The Thousand and One Nights.' Tabasim Hussain, Literary Review_x000D__x000D_'If you're thinking of paying Istanbul a visit, don't go without reading this book from cover to cover at least twice.' _x000D_Arminta Wallace, Irish Times_x000D__x000D_The Lost Messiah: In Search of Sabbatei Sevi_x000D__x000D_'Everything in this book is astonishing' _x000D_The Mail on Sunday_x000D__x000D_'Freely reveals a superb eye for the telling detailThis is an intriguing book.'_x000D_Independent on Sunday_x000D__x000D_'Freely's brilliantly researched tale transports the reader through a host of wonderfully arcane locations.' The Independent