Review by Choice Review
Fleet (Cambridge Univ.) has edited an invaluable contribution to the history of Anatolia and the early years of the Ottoman state. This book is the first of four volumes by various editors in the "Cambridge History of Turkey" series. Covering the period from the Seljuk victory over the Byzantines at the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071 to the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the volume offers readers very important insights into the political, economic, and social context surrounding the eventual establishment of the Ottoman state and its first one and a half centuries of existence. Written by leading scholars in their fields, the chapters go well beyond a narrative history of the region to include discussions of historiography, migration patterns, art and architecture, and religious developments, to name a few. The work consists of eight unique chapters in addition to a brief introduction. It focuses on Anatolia (Asia Minor), including chapters on the Byzantines, Seljuks, and Mongols, and the beyliks. It also includes an excellent chapter on the Balkans. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. R. W. Zens Le Moyne College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
