The Ottoman Empire and the world around it /

Faroqhi (Ludwig-Maximilians-Univ., Munchen), one of the most imaginative and prolific scholars of the Ottoman Empire, has written a book that questions conventional wisdom regarding Ottoman relations with the wider world. She covers the period c. 1540-c. 1774; the dates ought to have been added to the title for the sake of accuracy. One of the author's principal aims is to demonstrate not only that there was no iron curtain between the "house of Islam" and the "house of war," but also that there was an ongoing relationship based on trade, pilgrimage, travel, and missionary work between the Ottomans and their neighbors in Europe, Asia, and even Africa. Despite constant warfare, they all occupied a common world. The Ottomans were pragmatic, not ideological, rulers who sidestepped the requirement of the "holy law" by passing secular laws to meet the requirements of state. The book is based on a meticulous reading of a vast array of sources in Ottoman, modern Turkish, and European languages, but Faroqhi is always aware of their limitations. A stimulating book that ought to be read by all those interested in the history of early modern Europe and the wider world. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Most levels/libraries. F. Ahmad emeritus, University of Massachusetts at Boston