The Ottomans - Dissolving Images Andrew Wheatcroft

For generations, outsiders saw the Ottomans as bloodthirsty savages or as decadent pleasure-seekers, infatuated by their fine silk robes, unique black tulips and beautiful slave girls. This book uncovers the reality of an empire, created by the fifteenth-century warlords of the Anatolian steppes, whose imprint cna still be felt throughout the Middle East. Andrew Wheatcroft examines the consolidation of Ottom an power, the dynamic multinational state contstrained by hierarchy and protocol (and the constant menace of the executioner's silken cord), and the slow path to reforms based only superficially on Western models. He concludes with some ugly European fantasies about 'the Orient', featuring the Lustful and Terrible Turks.

"Wheatcroft brings the succession of palace revolutions, 'Byzantine' conspiracies and modernizing coups thrillingly... to life... a thouroughly good read." - Frederic Raphael in the Sunday Times

A History of the Arab Peoples Hardback, Paperback, Audio Cassette Albert Hourani

A well written and easy to read history from pre-Islamic times to the modern day. This book covers lots of cultural information and gives a good perspective on the region and it's peoples.

Orientalism - History, theory and the arts John M. MacKenzie

An essay in cultural history. This book looks at the ideas surrounding Orientalism - the portrayal of the East by artists, musicians and writers of the West, and it's resulting effects on western culture. A somewhat scholarly work, not light reading, but lots of information by a historian of imperialism.

Moorish Spain Richard Fletcher

An introduction to the history and culture of Islamic Spain between the Berber invasion of the early 8th century and the expulsion of the Moriscos by Philip III in the early 17th century. Nicely written, with a lovely light style that makes it very easy to read.