Richard Fidler speaks with Jack Tame about The Book of Roads and Kingdoms, bringing to life the dazzling cosmopolitan culture of Baghdad during Islam's Golden Age. A highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.

Hear Richard Fidler talk to Jack Tame in this highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival

The Book of Roads and Kingdoms brings to life a dazzling culture of science, literature, philosophy and adventure arising out of the flourishing metropolis of Baghdad during Islam's Golden Age. Australian writer/broadcaster Richard Fidler recounts how medieval Persian and Arab wanderers ventured by camel, horse and boat into the unknown, bringing back tales of wonder, horror and delight.

Ever curious, Fidler's previous bestsellers have also delved entertainingly into the history of worldly places - The Golden Maze (Prague), Ghost Empire (Constantinople) and Saga Land (Iceland). The host of ABC's Conversations - Australia's most downloaded podcast - speaks with broadcaster Jack Tame about what he describes as a 'crazy quilt atlas of a lost world'.

About the speaker

Richard Fidler

Richard Fidler is the popular presenter of Conversations with Richard Fidler on ABC Radio. He is the author of four acclaimed books blending travel and history: Ghost Empire (Constantinople), Saga Land (Iceland), The Golden Maze (Prague) and latest The Book of Roads & Kingdoms (imperial Baghdad).

This session is broadcast thanks to the generous help of the Auckland Writers Festival held in May 2023

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details