'At last - a survey of Ottoman history that covers the entire 600-plus years of the empire's history, written by a true expert with command of both primary and secondary sources, yet designed as an accessible textbook. In lucid, often lively, prose, Douglas Howard treats not only the Ottoman Empire's political history but social, economic, religious, and intellectual developments, as well, incorporating imperial capital and provinces, elites and commoners, dispassionate analysis and telling anecdotes. The maps, illustrations, lists of rulers and 'box' features make this book particularly user-friendly. This is the Ottoman history textbook many of us have been waiting for.' Jane Hathaway, Ohio State University