5.0 out of 5 stars Seeking the Oasis

C.Z. · May 9, 2015

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Having previously read Dalrymple's In Xanadu, a book he had written in his early 20s, I had two motivations in reading this book: first of all, I was intrigued to see how his writing had developed over the intervening decade; secondly, I wanted to see if his idea of following in the footsteps of ancient travelers would work as well with less well known journey than Marco Polo's?On the first question I can report that his style had broadened and deepened since his earlier book. In Xanadu had a breathless, almost over-excited air to it, quite fitting for the work of a young author. The style of From the Holy Mountain is more reflective and mature, although it loses nothing of the sense of wonder and excitement of the earlier work.The second question has a more involved answer. The travelers whose journey Dalrymple is recreating are John Moschos and Sophronius the Sophist through the Byzantine Empire to the Holy Land and ultimately to Upper Egypt in the late 6th Century. They set off on their travels during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty in the Byzantine Empire, traveling through and around the Holy Land. Compared with Marco Polo's journey these travels are almost completely unknown.Dalrymple chose to start at Mount Athos which he visited to see the codex of The Spiritual Meadow, Moschos' collection of the tales he heard on the way. It is not far-fetched to say that From the Holy Mountain becomes Dalrymple's Spiritual Meadow as he shares with us the stories of the people he met and the places through which he traveled. He then heads east through Istanbul, Anatolia, Syria, through Lebanon, the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Cairo, and ultimately into Upper Egypt to conclude his journey in the Great Kharga Oasis. This journey took Dalrymple nearly six months and during that time he passed through some of the most troubled and contentious areas in the world. In all that time he never loses sight of the primary purpose of his journey which was to chronicle what had become of the Christian communities in the region in the 1500 years since Moschos and Sophronius had passed that way.Dalrymple's two great strengths are his deep knowledge of ancient culture and history, and his genuine fondness and empathy towards the people whose lives he briefly encounters during his journey. These two aspects of his writing complement each other wonderfully in that he is able to give a sympathetic and knowledgeable account not only of the present situation in which communities find themselves but also to provide insight into how they came to be there. He is fully engaged in the problem of understanding how this region has became a place in which such deep animosities and hatred are daily acted out between three of the world's great religions, the three peoples of the Book. It will come as no surprise that he offers no simplistic or easy answers, but what he does provide is a detailed and insightful account of a region that has become more, rather than less, troubled in the 20 years that have passed since he wrote his account.The answer to my second question then is a resounding, "yes". In my view this is an even better book than In Xanadu. Dalrymple has taken a less promising theme and turned it into a grand narrative encapsulating three of the world's most important religions over a period of immense historical change. He manages to chronicle the political, historical and religious developments that have turned this part of the world into such culturally rich, but politically and religious difficult place to understand. Reading this book has significantly improved my understanding of the region and its people.

5.0 out of 5 stars Endangered Christians

J.D. · April 15, 2013

What an unexpectedly profound, exciting and important book this turned out to be for me. Before I read this book, I knew it was based on the Byzantine journeys of John Moschos chronicled in "The Spiritual Meadow" - a book I recently read and recently hated. Therefore any mention of John Mochos by the author automatically triggered for me daydreams of a tacky ancient TV show entitled "Lifestyles of the Poor, Reclusive and Famous" - hosted by your favorite author for hire - JOHN MOCHOS!!!But then this book is real. William Dalrymple is searching for Christians. Well ok he is searching for Christian descendants of ancient Christians, in the places John Moschos visited 1400 year ago. The major point of the book seems to be that Christian History in the Middle East is literally vanishing, both physically though the deterioration and destruction of churches, monasteries and sacred sites, and culturally through the persecution, extermination and exportation of Christian people groups.So William (the author) goes to those places that John Moschos went to. It turns out, the places were real. And that there are real stories to tell from real Christians living in real places in "Bible Land" which in modern terminology means Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt. Those places in this book are mainly monasteries. The last of the remaining monasteries. The common theme in the interviews with monks, pious laity and cab drivers seems to be that twenty years is the estimate for years left for remaining Christians in the Middle East. Imagine that. 20 years left after 2000 years, and this was in 1994, almost 20 years ago.As an "American Christian" layman there was a considerable learning curve for me here. However I can't help feeling awful about the different Christian people interviewed in this book who said something like "no Christians helped us . . . we were alone." I can't help thinking that as American Christians we are pretty oblivious to what is going on in the world. If it isn't a situation of complete charity, well dang, it's too complicated. Say how did our ball club do tonight!!??Anyway this is a great read, by an unassuming author that inspired Bruce Feller (Walking the Bible) and I suspect Peter Hessler (River Town and other China nonfiction). Unlike Feller, this author begins to pray (p. 287) for the remaining Mideast Christians. I think we should be praying for them too.

One of our society's."must reads"

E. · May 25, 2016

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } An extraordinary book that is now twenty years old but which burns with an in intense topical relevance. Brilliantly written and effortlessly thoughtful,pl everyone who wants to understand the problems of the Middle East should read this outstanding book

Brilliant

p.e. · March 1, 2024

Beautifully written historically based travel narrative through the Near East by the best descriptive narrative author.

A terrific book -- a great introduction to the people/churches of ...

V.H. · January 7, 2017

A terrific book -- a great introduction to the people/churches of the East.Item as described, well packed, promptly shipped.

Breathtaking !!

J. · July 9, 2024

From the Holy Mountain: A Journey in the Shadow of Byzantium by William Dalrymple is a captivating travelogue that traces Dalrymple's journey through the lands of the Eastern Mediterranean, following in the footsteps of early Christian monks from the Byzantine era.Historical ExplorationDalrymple's narrative is steeped in history, offering readers a deep dive into the ancient world of Byzantium and its Christian heritage. He explores the remnants of Byzantine culture and architecture in modern-day Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. Through meticulous research and on-the-ground exploration, Dalrymple resurrects the rich tapestry of religious traditions, cultural exchanges, and historical events that shaped the region.Cultural EncountersCentral to the book are Dalrymple's encounters with the diverse communities living in the shadow of Byzantium's legacy. He engages with Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Jews, and others, uncovering their stories, beliefs, and struggles. Dalrymple's empathetic approach allows readers to see the region through the eyes of its inhabitants, offering insights into the complexities of religious coexistence and cultural diversity.Spiritual ReflectionDalrymple reflects on the enduring spiritual significance of the monastic traditions that once flourished in Byzantine lands. He visits ancient monasteries, remote desert retreats, and sacred pilgrimage sites, capturing the mystical allure and spiritual devotion of the monks who sought solitude and enlightenment in these landscapes. His contemplative prose invites readers to ponder the timeless quest for spiritual meaning amidst historical ruins and contemporary challenges.Political and Social ContextThe book also delves into the contemporary political and social realities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Dalrymple examines how centuries-old religious tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and cultural transformations have shaped the region's modern identity. His observations on issues such as religious extremism, refugee crises, and cultural preservation provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing communities in the shadow of Byzantium.Literary StyleDalrymple's writing is eloquent and immersive, blending travelogue with historical inquiry and personal reflection. His descriptive prose vividly evokes the landscapes, architecture, and people he encounters along his journey. The narrative unfolds with a sense of adventure and discovery, drawing readers into the ancient and contemporary layers of the Eastern Mediterranean.From the Holy Mountain: A Journey in the Shadow of Byzantium by William Dalrymple is a thought-provoking exploration of Byzantine heritage and contemporary life in the Eastern Mediterranean. Through his travels and encounters, Dalrymple illuminates the enduring legacy of Byzantium's Christian monks and the complex interplay of history, culture, and spirituality in the region. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in the Byzantine Empire, religious pilgrimage, and the cultural landscapes of the Eastern Mediterranean.

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R.E. · August 1, 2023

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