Wednesday, May 17

I first came across Richard Fidler as the baby-faced member of the Doug Anthony All-stars. Then, miraculously, he emerged as the consummate interviewer on ABC Radio's Conversations.

To continue his rise, he now makes his mark as the author of the surprisingly high-brow book, Ghost Empire, a description of the city which became the centre of European civilisation - Constantinople.

Like Richard, I learned at school that the Roman Empire collapsed in the late Fourth Century with the fall of Rome. In fact, the Roman Emperor, Constantine, had moved his capital some time before to Byzantium. This city became the centre of the Roman Empire for another 1000 years. In honour of the emperor, it became known as Constantinople.

It's a great book and has grown out of a journey Richard took with his 14 year-old son, Joe to this part of the world. It's good, solid history, interspersed with personal anecdotes of the travellers, and stories of the wonderful characters who trod the stage of those times.

Do yourself a favour and look for it.