The Ottoman Empire 1700-1922: History Book by Donald Quataert | European History Study Guide | Perfect for College Students & History Enthusiasts

Donald Quataert's _The Ottoman Empire_ is a wonderful history of the late Ottoman Empire. The opening chapters ("Why Study Ottoman History" was particularly incisive, and should be required reading for anyone interested in the Near East) give an outstanding summary and introduction in just over 30 pages. No mean feat, it is testament to Quataert's skill as a writer of history.The majority of the book, however, addresses the gradual implosion of the Ottoman Empire - the first half a broad overview of the policies and changes the Ottomans attempted to institute to slw its decline, the last half a closer look at the economic and social consequences and reactions to these polices. This organization works well.The internal and external forces tearing the Ottoman state apart: ethnic minorities seeking nationhood, an increasingly conservative ulaema advocating for a return to "Islamic values", a decaying economic infrastructure and the great industrial nations of Europe pulling and pushing in an attempt to maintain political and economic stability - are clearly shown with a few specific examples to illustrate the point without the historical minutae that can bog-down the non-expert.This is a well-written history that would be a marvelous companion piece to David Fromkin's A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East.