The Ottoman Turks : An Introductory History to 1923

Rating:
Summary: scholarly
Review: This book provides a fabulous overview of the Ottoman Empire. I especially appreciate McCarthy's attention to matters that are often not discussed in history books (at least in a serious way), such as family life and daily life. I feel that sometimes McCarthy takes an overly pro-Turkish stance on controversial issues, but this book really is valuable.

Rating:
Summary: an excellent introduction
Review: This is probably the best overall history of the Ottomans around. A thorough researcher and lucid writer, McCarthy focuses on family life and health and disease in the Ottoman Empire as well as the diplomatic, military and political history of the empire. This book is a must for anyone interested in the history of Turkey, the eastern Mediterranean, or Caucuses.