shiradest's review against another edition
2.0
This book was extremely interesting for it's excellent descriptions of the history and context of the various Sultans (or Sultan-Caliphs) to rule over the rise and fall of the Ottoman empire. The explanations and descriptions fo the cultures and circumstances of the various peoples who made up or were drawn into the empire, and how that happened, helps tremendously to understand the show Muhtesem Yüzyil, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1848220/ illustrating the life of sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and those around him. Now that I've finished this book, I no longer need to see the rest of the series! :-)
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book as an introduction to the Ottoman Empire, and as such I found it disappointing. Goodwin's approach is journalistic rather than historical, and jumps from theme to theme without giving any sort of chronological framework in which to mentally organize the information. Because I felt somewhat muddled as I was reading, I know I won't retain as much, although what was presented was quite interesting.
particularkev's review against another edition
2.0
Unfortunately this book did not realise my expectations for it. That is perhaps the kindest way I can put it. I was hoping for a reasonably detailed chronological history of the Ottoman Empire, it rise and demise. There is a lot in this book, plenty of interesting detail and some amusing also. However, it is a little ... too confusing for my like. It is all over the shop at times and just doesn't 'fit together' enough for me. It is a useful read, but I doubt it will leave a lasting impression on me or an understanding of the Ottoman Empire with me.
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