Ghost Empire

Ghost Empire is a rare treasure - an utterly captivating blend of the historical and the contemporary, realised by a master storyteller.

In 2014, Richard Fidler and his son Joe made a journey to Istanbul. Fired by Richard's passion for the rich history of the dazzling Byzantine Empire - centred around the legendary Constantinople - we are swept into some of the most extraordinary tales in history. The clash of civilisations, the fall of empires, the rise of Christianity, revenge, lust, murder. Turbulent stories from the past are brought vividly to life at the same time as a father navigates the unfolding changes in his relationship with his son. Ghost Empire is a revelation: a beautifully written ode to a lost civilisation, and a warmly observed father-son adventure far from home.

About the Author

Richard Fidler, born 13 November 1964, is a well-known Australian ABC radio presenter, best known for his hour-long interview program, Conversations with Richard Fidler. He first came to prominence in the 1980s as a member of the Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS), an Australian musical comedy group also comprising Tim Ferguson and Paul McDermott. The group disbanded in 1994. Richard began his broadcast career on TV, and presented shows including Race Around the World, Aftershock, Mouthing Off, and Vulture, before making the move to radio in 2005.