Lords of the Horizons : A History of the Ottoman Empire Paperback – 4 Mar. 1999

I have just finished reading this wonderful book for the second time,immediately following my first reading. This was not because of any problem, but simply the sheer exuberant generosity with which Jason Goodwin has endowed his history of the Ottoman Empire. A cornucopia, horn of plenty, about the Golden Horn.Previous reviewers seem dismayed that this book is not a dusty academic piece of writing, accurate to the letter, but not the spirit, of the Ottoman Empire. It is written, not like a list on a war memorial - just names & dates but, in a way it is like a beautiful wall of Iznic tiles, or an embroidered quilt, and that style reveals far more of the multi-faceted culture & six century-long Osman dynasty's rule over vast lands & diverse peoples.I came to this book via an abiding affection for all things to do with the Ottoman Empire and especially Istanbul, its heart. Various novels, Jason Goodwin's own Yashim ones and other authors like Elif Shafak and Jenny White, Katie Hickman & Barbara Nadel encouraged me in a desire to explore more about Istanbul & hence resort to non-fiction.... the dark side!The great thing for an amateur who revels in ancient regimes is that works of historical fiction can spawn a serious interest in studying a person or period in a greater depth. This book, Lords of the Horizons is my bridge to that, as it combines a lightly worn but profound erudition ( doubtless the result of hours of research, reading dusty tomes) with a beautiful style of writing - friendly, amusing and delightfully digressive. Goodwin's footnotes area little treasure trove in themselves.So this largesse is why I have re-read Lords of the Horizons. I have no doubt I shall happily read it again & discover yet more interesting facts about this fascinating world.I would also recommend Ogier de Busbecq' Turkish Letters' trans.E.S.Forster

A very different book Mr. Goodwin really makes the Empire come alive before one's eyes. His description of both daily life and life in war, together with his use of descriptions from historical sources really makes this book stand out. Nevertheless the book is sometimes confusing, especially the first chapter, and some are real nuts to crack. Sometimes historical events are just thrown into context without being explained, or it is explained several pages or chapters later. This is the reason I only give it four stars. I still recommend the book highly, both to those familiar with this part of history and those entirely new to it.

I found this to be a very informative book on the ottoman empire.

Entertaining and interesting but the desire to promote the Ottomans as being fairer and more sophisticated than their Western rivals became quite tiresome.The use of poetic artifice can also be quite intrusive and disrupt the learning experience.

If you're in any way interested in the rise and fall of one of great empires that helped shape the world we know today then this book is highly recommended. Jason Goodwin writes in a style that is very accessible and entertaining; contrasting, very effectively, the highs and lows that shaped The Ottoman World.

Good qualoty and arrived in time

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a better understanding of the Turkish nation and people, and how modern Turkey came to be the bridge between East and West. It should be read in Western schools.

Never a dull moment in this tale of the Ottoman Empire, it's arranged more by theme than by chronology (that's at the back). It's a huge subject: if you seek a more classic approach, you may need to look elsewhere. However, now I have an appreciation of Turkish culture which I lacked before. I recommend it.