Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time

Rating:
Summary: Epic historytelling
Review: An outstanding biography of Mehmed II and a disturbing history of his time. Historians rarely depict their subjects in such a thrilling manner as does Babinger. Everything is told: mass executions, doublecrossings, and the insatiable greed for power. This history is crucial to the better understanding of the current conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

Rating:
Summary: Difficult to read but it worths
Review: Not a popular book, for sure, with all the details and historical evidences... But it provides an excellent picture of the time and gives strong clues about what we live today at these parts of the world and why we are facing these problems... I have known the Ottoman history from the Turkish version, as do so many people when it comes to the past of their own country... But reading this, I understood once again how important it is to learn the other versions of the reality... If it could have been possible for all, I am sure life on earth would be much peacefull with the help of lessons to be taken from the past...