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The Byerley Turk: The Incredible Story of the World's First Thoroughbred
For years, facts about this horse have been shrouded in mystery. Author Jeremy James unveils its powerful story.
347 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2005
9 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy James
111 books20 followersJJ has spent his life working in developing countries with cattle and horses, and once, with Rendili, Masai, Samburu and Somali drovers walked a herd of 86 camels from Somalia to Tanzania. In the 1990s, during the last stages of the Balkan Wars, he ran the State Lipizzaner Stud in Bosnia. He has worked with horses of burden in economically deprived communities across the world: from the rubbish dumps of Mexico city to the gharry horses of Ethiopia, from the horses of the Hmong people of Northern Vietnam, the working horses of the Fijian tropical interior, the tonga horses of Lahore, to the village horses of Eastern Turkey and of Morocco. He has travelled on horseback, writes about horses although from a different perspective from the norm. He has contributed material to broadsheets, magazines, television, film and radio embracing within his interests, art, history, vernacular architecture and more abstract matters, usually with some rural slant. Having had the great good fortune to have been born and brought up in Kenya and having worked with rural peoples and their animals all around the world he has developed his own outlook on man's association with the natural world, which both informs and is reflected in, his work.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 16, 2024
The cover photo shows Definite Article, a direct male line descendant of the Byerley Turk, one of the founding sires of the Thoroughbred. The eastern stallion's war history and one known race are reconstructed. We learn so much about the people and horses and wars of the day. Some of the documents consulted were the Turkish writings, but outsider reports were also drawn upon, so the march of the Sultan's armies from Istanbul was not just hyperbole. A few black and white photos are included, two of paintings of the war horse himself.
By following the story of a seyis, the syce (that's the Indian word) or groom, an outsider in the army from a line of horse-archers, who brought two Karaman stallions to join the ranks as instructed, we get to see a low rank soldier's life leading up to and during the battles of Vienna and Buda. This signalled the beginning of the fall of the Ottoman Empire. I don't think it's giving anything away to say that Eastern horses, including this stallion, were brought back to England as spoils of war. Their tall, light, fast blood improved the European horses.
The Turkish war horse was sold to an English Major, Byerley, who then rode him to his own first campaign at the Battle of the Boyne and around Ireland's sieges and battles. We get to see the religious intolerance of the day bringing fortune or misfortune to wealthy and poor depending on who was on the throne.
The author has had to reconstruct some events, personal details and conversations, because the people often were not literate, or written accounts have not survived, or nobody wrote down the ordinary. (Or they were women, and women were not written of unless they were royalty.) Authors are allowed to do this to fill in the gaps of a story. Generally, they do it by looking at written accounts of similar journeys, or making those journeys themselves and seeing what happens. I have Jeremy James's earliest book, Saddletramp which describes how he rode three horses in succession across country (some borders could not be crossed with a horse) from Turkey to Wales. While I hadn't followed James's career, the back flap of this book explains that he has continued working in writing and journalism in UK and Turkey, including writing for the ILPH, and working with horses. I did spot several typos and instances where two forms of wording were left, needing another copyedit. I only mention it because so much other detail was carried off so well, that it seems a shame for the publisher to let this slip.
If you want to know about warfare with cannon, musket, sabre, bow and horse, or you want to read about a formidable and charismatic stallion, or you are just interested in the life and times of people at this time, I suggest this splendid accomplishment, a lengthy and thoroughly researched book which manages to be easily readable, will keep you happily occupied, with plenty to re-read.
I borrowed this book from the RDS Library. This is an unbiased review.
By following the story of a seyis, the syce (that's the Indian word) or groom, an outsider in the army from a line of horse-archers, who brought two Karaman stallions to join the ranks as instructed, we get to see a low rank soldier's life leading up to and during the battles of Vienna and Buda. This signalled the beginning of the fall of the Ottoman Empire. I don't think it's giving anything away to say that Eastern horses, including this stallion, were brought back to England as spoils of war. Their tall, light, fast blood improved the European horses.
The Turkish war horse was sold to an English Major, Byerley, who then rode him to his own first campaign at the Battle of the Boyne and around Ireland's sieges and battles. We get to see the religious intolerance of the day bringing fortune or misfortune to wealthy and poor depending on who was on the throne.
The author has had to reconstruct some events, personal details and conversations, because the people often were not literate, or written accounts have not survived, or nobody wrote down the ordinary. (Or they were women, and women were not written of unless they were royalty.) Authors are allowed to do this to fill in the gaps of a story. Generally, they do it by looking at written accounts of similar journeys, or making those journeys themselves and seeing what happens. I have Jeremy James's earliest book, Saddletramp which describes how he rode three horses in succession across country (some borders could not be crossed with a horse) from Turkey to Wales. While I hadn't followed James's career, the back flap of this book explains that he has continued working in writing and journalism in UK and Turkey, including writing for the ILPH, and working with horses. I did spot several typos and instances where two forms of wording were left, needing another copyedit. I only mention it because so much other detail was carried off so well, that it seems a shame for the publisher to let this slip.
If you want to know about warfare with cannon, musket, sabre, bow and horse, or you want to read about a formidable and charismatic stallion, or you are just interested in the life and times of people at this time, I suggest this splendid accomplishment, a lengthy and thoroughly researched book which manages to be easily readable, will keep you happily occupied, with plenty to re-read.
I borrowed this book from the RDS Library. This is an unbiased review.
June 11, 2025
On one level, this is a wonderfully crafted dramatic reconstruction (with licence) of how an Ottoman cavalry horse came to be in England, and helped found the bloodlines of all modern day thoroughbreds: from its foaling in a Balkan field in the middle of a storm in 1678 to his death in a stable on the estate of Robert Byerley some 25 years later.
To me though it hit many more layers … from the opening chapter on Ahmed Pasa, the horse that he started out on, in his epic trek from Turkey to Wales, as told in Saddletramp, that left me feeling both cheated that he missed it out from that book, whilst delighted to get more background detail, to the revelation that this in part also became a historical record of the 6th dragoons regiment, one that I have only recently discovered a familial connection via my paternal grandfather too as well, and this part of their regimental history overlaps with that of the horse, who is being ridden by their field promoted Colonel, Robert Byerley.
Another layer is the painstaking research the author has carried out with regard to the Byerley Turk, how he wants to make clear the distinction between Arab and Karaman breeds, and how the true history of thoroughbred bloodlines is not wholly Arabian, but Turkic too.
Lastly, but not finally there’s the story of the people most closely attached to the horse itself, first his seyis, his Turkish groom, who cares for, trains and accompanies the horse from its birthplace to Istanbul and thence onto war and eventual capture at the fall of Buda. The seyis stays in the story until spiritual ownership of the horse passes to Robert Byerley just as he is about to set off to war in Ireland under the banner of William, the new English King. From here the horse enters history, both as a winner of trophies and as a lucky mascot to the riders of the 6th Dragoons, as he took his rider unharmed through the thick of battles, and home again once more.
The pathos rich ending bought a tear to my eye, and I enjoyed the postscript note on the subsequent story of the seyis.
I hope they all found shade under a locust tree, in a peaceful green meadow, with a clear mountain stream flowing close by, be it paradise or only in the imaginations of all those who know their story.
To me though it hit many more layers … from the opening chapter on Ahmed Pasa, the horse that he started out on, in his epic trek from Turkey to Wales, as told in Saddletramp, that left me feeling both cheated that he missed it out from that book, whilst delighted to get more background detail, to the revelation that this in part also became a historical record of the 6th dragoons regiment, one that I have only recently discovered a familial connection via my paternal grandfather too as well, and this part of their regimental history overlaps with that of the horse, who is being ridden by their field promoted Colonel, Robert Byerley.
Another layer is the painstaking research the author has carried out with regard to the Byerley Turk, how he wants to make clear the distinction between Arab and Karaman breeds, and how the true history of thoroughbred bloodlines is not wholly Arabian, but Turkic too.
Lastly, but not finally there’s the story of the people most closely attached to the horse itself, first his seyis, his Turkish groom, who cares for, trains and accompanies the horse from its birthplace to Istanbul and thence onto war and eventual capture at the fall of Buda. The seyis stays in the story until spiritual ownership of the horse passes to Robert Byerley just as he is about to set off to war in Ireland under the banner of William, the new English King. From here the horse enters history, both as a winner of trophies and as a lucky mascot to the riders of the 6th Dragoons, as he took his rider unharmed through the thick of battles, and home again once more.
The pathos rich ending bought a tear to my eye, and I enjoyed the postscript note on the subsequent story of the seyis.
I hope they all found shade under a locust tree, in a peaceful green meadow, with a clear mountain stream flowing close by, be it paradise or only in the imaginations of all those who know their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2010
Byerley Turk happens to be a gem of a surprise. Not simply for a horse racing fan that could deem the story as being not focused on Racing. It surely isnt. But the Racing follower is intrigued by the title, a well known (one of three) foundation stallion for the Thoroughbred breed. A person that loves the horse for what he is will be enthralled with the read. If you combine the love of a horse with the love of adventure, travel and history then this story will captivate you. Obviously well researched by the author with a bibliography longer than some chapters, Jeremy james also reveals what he knows about horses in overland travel, especially long distance rides. Once you start this novel, dont be dissuaded by the use of multiple foreign terms. There is a handy glossary for use and you will become familiar with the terms. The extensive footnotes only add to the adventure and should not be missed or overlooked. This is a book you will take your time reading, and enjoy !
For the historical horse person, Im not convinced that the Byerley Turk was an Akhal Teke or that he was not Arabian. I dont know and I dont think anyone does, but the research into where this horse and his groom came from along with the Eastern horsemanship methods are realistic and believable. I'll warn though that to attempt, and succeed in reading this book one must be a horse lover, enjoy history and at least armchair travel. oh, and I cant forget to warn those sentimental about a horse, the last chapter may require a tissue handy !
For the historical horse person, Im not convinced that the Byerley Turk was an Akhal Teke or that he was not Arabian. I dont know and I dont think anyone does, but the research into where this horse and his groom came from along with the Eastern horsemanship methods are realistic and believable. I'll warn though that to attempt, and succeed in reading this book one must be a horse lover, enjoy history and at least armchair travel. oh, and I cant forget to warn those sentimental about a horse, the last chapter may require a tissue handy !
May 8, 2011
Maybe because I've caught Derby Fever, or because I knew some lovely horses as a kid in PA, I love horses. I've known about the three foundation sires for the Thoroughbred breed and found Jeremy James' book about the first of these, The Byerley Turk. The Turk, Azarax as James writes his original name, was born in omenous circumstances in 1678 in Turkey. Bred by people to the saddle born, who have relationships with their horses that rival any human to human relationships. They and their equine charges communicate without speaking, they read each others' minds. The grooms sleep with their animals; they care for them as they would their own children. A bond of trust for life is built that will never be trangressed. The groom, the seyis, has raised Azarax to be the mightiest example of his kind. I gave the book four stars as the history of Ottoman wars was told in the most minute detail, I would have liked to know more about the progeny of The Turk. Byerley's marriage and family are given but a few sentences.
But this is a manly book, about manly things. Mr.James is a horseman and he has portrayed horses as almost no other author I've read. He has done masterful research. But it is the mystical and spiritual relationship of one of the greatest horses ever bred, and his groom and eventually the Englishman Byerley, that is the real treasure of this book.
But this is a manly book, about manly things. Mr.James is a horseman and he has portrayed horses as almost no other author I've read. He has done masterful research. But it is the mystical and spiritual relationship of one of the greatest horses ever bred, and his groom and eventually the Englishman Byerley, that is the real treasure of this book.
March 28, 2017
What a surprise!
The only other book I have read by this author was his history of the International League for the Protection of Horses - it was well-written and I read it a few times, but it was essentially a non-fiction book. I was expecting this to be the same - it wasn't!
James weaves a tale around the life of the Byerley Turk - one of the three stallions considered to be the foundation of the English thoroughbred racehorse. From his birth in a storm, somewhere deep in the Ottoman empire, to the Sultan's palace, to war and finally to England after being captured.
It's completely magical - I don't know how much is really based on sources the author has found, and how much is pure myth, but that is what it read like - a suitable legend for a legendary horse. I jotted down so many inspiring and beautiful quotes, that if I'd chosen to add them to my review, I might as well type out the whole book!
Some of the battle scenes are pretty harrowing - there were more than one moment when I was sobbing, trying to read on through tears - but to me that is excellent writing. The relationship between the horse and his Seyis was fantastically written - we all aspire to have that sort of closeness with another animal.
Brilliant - fantastic - magical .... a book I will probably return to again and again.
The only other book I have read by this author was his history of the International League for the Protection of Horses - it was well-written and I read it a few times, but it was essentially a non-fiction book. I was expecting this to be the same - it wasn't!
James weaves a tale around the life of the Byerley Turk - one of the three stallions considered to be the foundation of the English thoroughbred racehorse. From his birth in a storm, somewhere deep in the Ottoman empire, to the Sultan's palace, to war and finally to England after being captured.
It's completely magical - I don't know how much is really based on sources the author has found, and how much is pure myth, but that is what it read like - a suitable legend for a legendary horse. I jotted down so many inspiring and beautiful quotes, that if I'd chosen to add them to my review, I might as well type out the whole book!
Some of the battle scenes are pretty harrowing - there were more than one moment when I was sobbing, trying to read on through tears - but to me that is excellent writing. The relationship between the horse and his Seyis was fantastically written - we all aspire to have that sort of closeness with another animal.
Brilliant - fantastic - magical .... a book I will probably return to again and again.
January 16, 2021
"The Byerley Turk: The Incredible Story of the World's First Thoroughbred", is a fantastic story, masterfully told. It is a story of a horse, from his auspicious birth while in the care of his Turkish groom, to his peaceful death while in the care of the wealthy Englishman, Robert Byerley. It is absolutely compelling, containing a graphic intensity that the author Jeremy James, who has knowledge and experience with horses, weaves into his story.
James takes you inside the physical landscape and directly into the hearts of horses and men. Buildings, scenery, attire, relationships, protocol, and events are lavishly described. It gives insight to vastly different cultures in conflict, and yet the element of the human heart, and the heart of the horse are amplified throughout. The author has an uncanny ability to involve the reader, so that the passions, horrors, joys and sorrows, are deeply felt.
This is a story of trust, loyalty, and supreme athleticism, during a time of war and upheaval. There are heroic deeds performed as a matter of fact, and in retrospect, deeds with a seemingly supernatural aura... deeds which connected the events with their destiny. There are elements of beauty amongst the serious gore. Fear and friendship, supreme intellect, slavery, survival, suffering and opportunity are juxtaposed inexorably into the landscape spanning from the Ottoman Empire, to Ireland.
The stallion and his groom inspire awe and change whereever they go. The relationships they offer are of such a deep and profound nature, that, whether they are at home or in a foreign land, at times it seems that they are from a different world altogether.
There are emotionally charged sequences of courage and sacrifice made in the name of love, not war. This story illustrates the power of deep relationships, the power of `home', and the transformative power of understanding.
It is not a story for the faint-hearted. The senses are floridly described in scenes of death, stress and suffering. Partings are painful. Love is not a petty emotion. Devotion is not a fleeting fulfillment of convenience. It is a book of extremes. Extreme beauty and style...extreme dedication, extreme danger, and the fantastic power of a strong-willed and defiant stallion, and the tender moments he creates when the touch of a whisker brings about peace and comfort...
It is the story of how Robert Byerley came to be in possession of the Turkish horse known as the Byerley Turk. Well researched and well presented, it is a wonderful use of the novel in depicting a time in history. It successfully captivates the imagination, and allows the reader to understand the importance of the horse in World History.
Congratulations to Jeremy James.
James takes you inside the physical landscape and directly into the hearts of horses and men. Buildings, scenery, attire, relationships, protocol, and events are lavishly described. It gives insight to vastly different cultures in conflict, and yet the element of the human heart, and the heart of the horse are amplified throughout. The author has an uncanny ability to involve the reader, so that the passions, horrors, joys and sorrows, are deeply felt.
This is a story of trust, loyalty, and supreme athleticism, during a time of war and upheaval. There are heroic deeds performed as a matter of fact, and in retrospect, deeds with a seemingly supernatural aura... deeds which connected the events with their destiny. There are elements of beauty amongst the serious gore. Fear and friendship, supreme intellect, slavery, survival, suffering and opportunity are juxtaposed inexorably into the landscape spanning from the Ottoman Empire, to Ireland.
The stallion and his groom inspire awe and change whereever they go. The relationships they offer are of such a deep and profound nature, that, whether they are at home or in a foreign land, at times it seems that they are from a different world altogether.
There are emotionally charged sequences of courage and sacrifice made in the name of love, not war. This story illustrates the power of deep relationships, the power of `home', and the transformative power of understanding.
It is not a story for the faint-hearted. The senses are floridly described in scenes of death, stress and suffering. Partings are painful. Love is not a petty emotion. Devotion is not a fleeting fulfillment of convenience. It is a book of extremes. Extreme beauty and style...extreme dedication, extreme danger, and the fantastic power of a strong-willed and defiant stallion, and the tender moments he creates when the touch of a whisker brings about peace and comfort...
It is the story of how Robert Byerley came to be in possession of the Turkish horse known as the Byerley Turk. Well researched and well presented, it is a wonderful use of the novel in depicting a time in history. It successfully captivates the imagination, and allows the reader to understand the importance of the horse in World History.
Congratulations to Jeremy James.
July 11, 2020
Interesting but I'm not entirely certain how true to life this is. Apparently the Byerley Turk may have been the English born son of an Ottoman prize. I would have appreciated footnotes to the parts that had historical sources (if any). Nevertheless an interesting companion to King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian- who may also have been Turkish) and Mr Darley's Arabian: High Life, Low Life, Sporting Life: A History of Racing in 25 Horses (definitely an Arabian, if not the classic Black Stallion variety).
October 8, 2023
This imaginative novel of the Turkish Karuman stallion who became the 1st influential sire of the thoroughbred breed in Great Britain is well worth the read. Bred & schooled to be a warhorse for the Sultan's stable in Istanbul, he was claimed by a young British nobleman who had come as a soldier-of-fortune to the siege of Vienna. Brought to England, he was sold to the dragoon Captain Byerley, who rode him in 5 battles in William of Orange's 2-year-long Irish campaign against his father-in-law James Stuart for the British throne. After that campaign, now Colonel Byerley resigned his commission to resume his seat in Parliament, retiring his warhorse to stud. The author researched this novel intensively, emphasizing the bond that can develop between horse & rider. The stallion himself is a fascinating character, & if True Briton was indeed Justin Morgan's sire, then the entire Morgan breed is tail-male to the Byerley Turk.
February 16, 2018
A lush, vivid historical novel about one of the first thoroughbred foundation sires. First, through the eyes of his devoted groom, we read about his days as a foal by his mother's side in the Balkans and then his life as to his tumultuous life as a cavalry charger in the Ottoman Empire. Granted, some of the battlefield scenes are sad because I became attached to some of the war horse characters. Then, the stallion becomes a spoil of war and is taken to England. Both main narrators are also excellent and thoughtful horsemen. I picked up this book two years ago, and it has stayed with me. The temptation to dip into it for another visit is great.
December 14, 2017
Really interesting and informative book, with enough drama to keep you engaged. I enjoyed learning about a period of history I knew very little about.
January 2, 2024
Such an amazing horse!!! Every horse lover should read it!!
August 31, 2024
Wonderful story from a man who knows horses.
May 15, 2025
A historical fiction on one of the founding sires of the Thoroughbred breed and his groom. I loved every page.
May 13, 2012
There are a lot of 'horse' books out there, and most of them are either entirely educational or awful.
The "awful" horse books usually attempt to put human thoughts into the head of the horse which seems to me to be missing the point. I love horses but I don't think they are people -- it may be a trifle demeaning to the equine species to assume they have human motivation or interests or needs. The truth about the relationship between a horse and a human is fascinating, especially if we remember that the romance of it is all on our side.
The Byerly Turk is a terrific read...thoroughly educational and wonderfully written. Mr. James imagines the life of one of the three foundation sires for Thoroughbreds-- and that imagination is buttressed by historical references throughout. The story is fiction but the structure of the book is factual. It is as though he said to himself, "If these are the facts, what might have happened to bring a particular stallion from the Balkans to England? It has to be logical and possible within its time, and within the nature of horses." He answered his question with a riveting, insightful adventure. What makes the book, for me, is Mr. James' horsemanship. His description of schooling the horse and of the behavior of horses gives the book as much credibility as his apparently thorough scholarship into the history of the time. Some of the romance in the story is contrived (the Turk's groom, the character of Robert Byerly) but believable. In 1678, a foal is born under the best and most challenging auguries of his Turkish Muslim society. (OK, that's pure fantasy.) He is expertly schooled and becomes a war charger, eventually captured by the English, ridden across Europe (something Mr. James has done)and is eventually sold to Robert Byerly who again uses him in war (and the occasional race) before they both retire to the English countryside. This is an historical novel and completely engrossing.
But, if you love (or just like) horses, this story has plenty of romance without the improbability of a romance story. When a horse seems to be all it can be, which is the combination of its own nature and careful nurture, it becomes something nearly otherworldly. The combination brings the best of human and horse into a blend of power, grace and purpose that is a very beautiful thing. If you have watched Secretariat or Zenyatta run, or strong hunters glide over fences or noticed the conformation of a balanced horse, you begin to feel the romance of horses. If you admire their character,their conditional willingness to work with humans and their confidence, the romance comes along without additional frills needed.
Even if you are immune to horses, the adventure, battles, characters and pacing of the book makes The Byerly Turk a pleasurable read. I read a lot (3-5 books a month), but lean to history and mysteries and as I'm, um, no longer young, I have less patience with poor writing --that is to say I am not a 'horse nut' and I don't seek out 'horse books' and I make demands of authors. I would recommend this highly to the horse mad, and to people who like adventure stories, and to readers who like history. It is suitable for teens (as Mr. James says, he has left out emphasis on natural stallion behavior so as to avoid 'horse porn')and for anyone who just likes a good story. If read it at least five times and I will read it again. I wish I could find Mr. James non-fiction writing as well.
The "awful" horse books usually attempt to put human thoughts into the head of the horse which seems to me to be missing the point. I love horses but I don't think they are people -- it may be a trifle demeaning to the equine species to assume they have human motivation or interests or needs. The truth about the relationship between a horse and a human is fascinating, especially if we remember that the romance of it is all on our side.
The Byerly Turk is a terrific read...thoroughly educational and wonderfully written. Mr. James imagines the life of one of the three foundation sires for Thoroughbreds-- and that imagination is buttressed by historical references throughout. The story is fiction but the structure of the book is factual. It is as though he said to himself, "If these are the facts, what might have happened to bring a particular stallion from the Balkans to England? It has to be logical and possible within its time, and within the nature of horses." He answered his question with a riveting, insightful adventure. What makes the book, for me, is Mr. James' horsemanship. His description of schooling the horse and of the behavior of horses gives the book as much credibility as his apparently thorough scholarship into the history of the time. Some of the romance in the story is contrived (the Turk's groom, the character of Robert Byerly) but believable. In 1678, a foal is born under the best and most challenging auguries of his Turkish Muslim society. (OK, that's pure fantasy.) He is expertly schooled and becomes a war charger, eventually captured by the English, ridden across Europe (something Mr. James has done)and is eventually sold to Robert Byerly who again uses him in war (and the occasional race) before they both retire to the English countryside. This is an historical novel and completely engrossing.
But, if you love (or just like) horses, this story has plenty of romance without the improbability of a romance story. When a horse seems to be all it can be, which is the combination of its own nature and careful nurture, it becomes something nearly otherworldly. The combination brings the best of human and horse into a blend of power, grace and purpose that is a very beautiful thing. If you have watched Secretariat or Zenyatta run, or strong hunters glide over fences or noticed the conformation of a balanced horse, you begin to feel the romance of horses. If you admire their character,their conditional willingness to work with humans and their confidence, the romance comes along without additional frills needed.
Even if you are immune to horses, the adventure, battles, characters and pacing of the book makes The Byerly Turk a pleasurable read. I read a lot (3-5 books a month), but lean to history and mysteries and as I'm, um, no longer young, I have less patience with poor writing --that is to say I am not a 'horse nut' and I don't seek out 'horse books' and I make demands of authors. I would recommend this highly to the horse mad, and to people who like adventure stories, and to readers who like history. It is suitable for teens (as Mr. James says, he has left out emphasis on natural stallion behavior so as to avoid 'horse porn')and for anyone who just likes a good story. If read it at least five times and I will read it again. I wish I could find Mr. James non-fiction writing as well.
March 24, 2012
This novel is unique in the way that it is not just your average horse story but rather a truthful historical acount about the bloodlines of a particular horse breed, that is the most highly reconized and cherished for its racing atributes. The Thoroughbred horse came from 3 specific horse bloodlines that being; the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian, which this looks at one of the 3 founders in more depth & detail. This is also a story about how the horse lived and became not only one of the greatest fighting horses in history (in the Ottoman Cavalry) but also how it ended up as the foundation Sire for the Thoroughbred line. This book reads as a flamboyant historical novel that is full of realism and authentisity, alongside capturing the very essence of bloody action & drama from the battlefield. This is a story about a certain horse that is still very much part of our history today in modern times, as it is in a part of the modern Thoroughbred's blood that thunders along the racetrack; so from this perspective it is very current & relevant to present day as well as the past. I am always facinated and overwhelmed by the Thoroughbred and its breeding & how it is built and designed for speed and althletisism because they are the finest horse athletes in the world today. There history and bloodline also origionates to the hot blooded, desert dwelling Arabians that are full of spirit & flight and that is at times also easily seen when looking upon the TB (you can almost glimpse an Arab on reflection of thier nature and personality) and also having worked and ridden both breeds of horse it is even easier to see the physical resemblance. This book is utterly facinating and really interestng and i certainly learnt a lot from reading it, about past history as well as the horse and the horse's involvement within our history and heratage. The Thoroughbred is a horse that has such a captivating history compared to other breeds as it is also foundered from one of the oldest horse breeds in history the Arabian, and it is the horse's build, temperament and design that make it so unique and seperate from all other types of horse. Any horse or animal lover will be facinated by this novel and i also highly recomend that any Thoroughbred owner, racehorse rider or trainer should also take a look as it will add a whole other meaning to your understanding of this magnificent horse. Those readers who enjoy good historical fiction will again love it for the authenticity, realism and factual information that it contains. It was a most enjoyable and insightful read that added to my already high apreciation of the Thoroughbred horse.
February 25, 2013
I love and crave historical stories about important horses and animals and I own what few books there are on the Godophin Arabian, the most widely known father of the modern thoroughbred horse. But other than Margurite Henry's "King of the Wind", no writer has ever so eloquently captured the history, the import and the essence of a horse story so gracefully and meticulously as Jeremy James.
Its my constant struggle not to rush and pour through the pages enthusiastically, and rhythmically as I am like to do with a book I so thoroughly enjoy, and I must continually remind myself to slowly and carefully savor the detailed descriptions of the Ottoman Empire and her Army from its incredible heights and grandeur, to its fall at the hands of the Polish Calvary. James somehow manages to seamlessly mold a story about one of the most important horses to ever live, with colorful and generous attention to one of the greatest and most renown eras of history and war at that time, making this book a beautiful and important work. his descriptions are lyrical and often make me feel like he writes in homage to Dostoevsky's turn of phrase.
If you are trying to decide whether to buy the new book on Eclipse (by N. Clee) or this book, there is no comparison. Buy this book, unless you prefer your historical horse stories to be repetitive and one tracked. No pun intended. All I will say is that the esteemed "Eclipse" sits on my shelf, half finished, never to be returned to as I tend to prefer my horse history to be more horse, less whores and fops. I wish Jeremy James - who really understands horses- wrote the Eclipse book.
And now I am off to buy every last thing this man has ever written about horses. Not since Margurite Henry have I purchased every book a single author has written. Well, except Shakespeare.
Its my constant struggle not to rush and pour through the pages enthusiastically, and rhythmically as I am like to do with a book I so thoroughly enjoy, and I must continually remind myself to slowly and carefully savor the detailed descriptions of the Ottoman Empire and her Army from its incredible heights and grandeur, to its fall at the hands of the Polish Calvary. James somehow manages to seamlessly mold a story about one of the most important horses to ever live, with colorful and generous attention to one of the greatest and most renown eras of history and war at that time, making this book a beautiful and important work. his descriptions are lyrical and often make me feel like he writes in homage to Dostoevsky's turn of phrase.
If you are trying to decide whether to buy the new book on Eclipse (by N. Clee) or this book, there is no comparison. Buy this book, unless you prefer your historical horse stories to be repetitive and one tracked. No pun intended. All I will say is that the esteemed "Eclipse" sits on my shelf, half finished, never to be returned to as I tend to prefer my horse history to be more horse, less whores and fops. I wish Jeremy James - who really understands horses- wrote the Eclipse book.
And now I am off to buy every last thing this man has ever written about horses. Not since Margurite Henry have I purchased every book a single author has written. Well, except Shakespeare.
August 24, 2011
Much more than a "horse" book, the story of the Byerley Turk is a story of the struggles between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, the story of the change of leadership in England and the story of a man and a horse than spans all the battles and failures of these countries. This book is filled with such detail, I was amazed with not just the description of settings but of customs and sayings of the era. The author displayed the ability to transcribe into a book the lay of the land and the will of a horse a horse to survive. This is truly for me one of those gems I'm glad to have found. For people without an inclination to equine tastes, this book would at least appeal to those looking for fiction with a rich description of the exotic past, for adventure and spirit of the heart to fight and live for more. If there is one horse book to read, this would be one of them.
August 14, 2012
I adored this book.
Jeremy James' tale takes you on a remarkable journey alongside a wonderful equine protagonist.
Whether you love horses, are a history fan or just enjoy a thoroughly good read I think this book has something to offer to everybody.
Azarax (the Byerley Turk) is hero among horses and men.
Being one of the foundation sires of the thoroughbred his legacy continues on and you can watch his descendants proving their sporting prowess on the tracks at nearly every racecourse worldwide.
I fell in love with this amazingly brave stallion and I relished every page of his story, he crossed countries and continents, he survived wars and his story makes for a truly exhilarating read.
This book isn't just for horsey folk, it is fantastically written, and I would recommend it to any reader.
Jeremy James' tale takes you on a remarkable journey alongside a wonderful equine protagonist.
Whether you love horses, are a history fan or just enjoy a thoroughly good read I think this book has something to offer to everybody.
Azarax (the Byerley Turk) is hero among horses and men.
Being one of the foundation sires of the thoroughbred his legacy continues on and you can watch his descendants proving their sporting prowess on the tracks at nearly every racecourse worldwide.
I fell in love with this amazingly brave stallion and I relished every page of his story, he crossed countries and continents, he survived wars and his story makes for a truly exhilarating read.
This book isn't just for horsey folk, it is fantastically written, and I would recommend it to any reader.
March 20, 2011
A really origional and interesting book, i found out alot through reading it. However, its written in the present tense which could make it seem more realistic, alienating us to suspend beleif, but i just found it irratating
March 9, 2013
An enthralling book - the best good read I have read for ages. If you love horses, you'll love this book. If you are OK with horses you will learn so much. If you don't like horses they will earn your respect. A sure recommendation.
March 10, 2016
Alın,okuyun ve Türkler için sıradan görünen bir atın İngilizlerin gözünde nasıl atların kralı olduğunu anlayacaksınız. Thoroughbred (İngiliz yarış atı) ırkı bizlere kitabın kahramanı olan Azaraks'ın armağanıdır.
May 4, 2011
Wonderful. I read it in two and a half days because I couldn't put it down. A brilliant book, historical but reads like a really good novel. It made me cry too!
August 13, 2011
This book is awesome for any horse/history lovers!
Read
June 17, 2012One of the best books I have read
December 31, 2014
Co k tomu dodat? Jsou knihy, na jejichž hodnocení slova ani hvězdičky na Goodreads prostě nestačí...
January 15, 2015
Beautifuly done! This book is just perfect work in each possible way!!!
January 7, 2016
Beautifully written. Well researched. A joy to read.
dnf
October 18, 2018In my youth I was your typical horse crazy teenager. And I was a huge thoroughbred racing fan. I could recite all of the Triple Crown winners, along with their trainers and jockeys. In fact, I wanted to be a jockey, and I was crushed when I found a boarding school that was centered around the racing world and included riding and training race horses, and then my parents wouldn't send me there! ("What kid WANTS to be sent off to a boarding school?" they wondered.)
Anyway, all that to say I eagerly dove into this book, and then slowly fell out of it. I just could not get into it. The writing felt all over the place. I finally gave up.
Anyway, all that to say I eagerly dove into this book, and then slowly fell out of it. I just could not get into it. The writing felt all over the place. I finally gave up.
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