A Fez of the Heart

by Jeremy Seal

Book Overview

Inspired by a dusty fez in his parents' attic, Jeremy Seal set off in 1993 to trace the astonishing history of this cone-shaped hat. Soon the quintessentially Turkish headgear became the key to understanding a country beset by contradictions. "A modern travel classic" (Herald Express).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0156003937
• ISBN13: 9780156003933
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A Fez of the Heart

This book really gives the reader the feel of modern Turkey written in a very readable format. Having just been in Turkey in April, this book increased my insight into this fascinating country.

For anyone who's ever wondered where the fez went...

Ironically I went to Turkiye about the same time jeremy was publishing this book, and ironically I went in search of a real fez.....among other things,as well as to meet the in laws...this book is so too true! I looked for the fez, and got very similar responses! This book is best read by someone who's been there, or has at least more than a passing interest in Turkiye. Trust me, you will fall in love with the country and it's people all over again. Jeremy writes with warmth and humor. A joy to read again and again.

Excellent Read!Don't miss this one.

very nice, well written and just plain fun. would like to see the author return to turkey in his books!

I love learning when I think I'm only having fun

This was a great, good pleasure to read, terribly fun and interesting. This was a travel book of exotic cities, a history book of conflicting cultures, a sociology text on east vs. west, and a philosophical treatise on the meaning of symbol and national identity. Maybe if I knew more about Turkey I would have been less impressed, but for someone looking for lite learning -- this is terrific. I'd like to know of books like this on other countries.

Home is where the hat is...

Fez of the Heart accompanied me to Turkey and proved to be a most entertaining companion! I enjoyed reading all about JS's adventures throughout this amazingly diverse country. While I did not follow an exact replica of JS's course, I was struck by the similarity of characteristics of the Turkish people between cities/towns that he visited and cities/towns that I did (which were mostly in the south). And when it was all over, the book and the trip, I had ONE picture of a man wearing a fez...