This book by Andrew Mango intimidated me when I found it in the library. It has over 500 pages of text and is sprinkled with italicized Turkish words and the names of Turk personalities. It looked difficult to read, but I checked it out anyway. I ended the review of the book “Shadow of the Sultan’s Realm” posted last week with the quote, “How Kemal guided the transformation of the Turkish nation is one of the most fascinating stories of the twentieth century—but that is…a story for another time.” I wrote that I couldn’t wait to read that story. I therefore worked my way through a long and difficult book, and I’m glad I did. Continue reading →

The subtitle of this book written by Daniel Allen Butler is “The Destruction of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East.” I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. The book is only 235 pages long before you reach the Author’s Notes, and perhaps that isn’t enough space for an accurate description of an empire that lasted more than six centuries. However, I found the book informative and interesting.

The Ottoman Empire thrived, prospered, and expanded for several centuries What most people know about it relates to the decision of the politicians in the Empire to join with Germany in the Great War, which provided the Empire no apparent advantages, and had tremendous impact on history of the region and the world. This book, if it is nothing else, should be a primer about how arrogance and ignorance of national leaders can create misery and sacrifice of life for soldiers who have little invested except for loyalty to their countries and fellow soldiers. Continue reading →