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rebeccajsanders 's review for:
An engaging romp through the 16th century battleground of the Mediterranean. I can't recall the last time I learned so much from a history book. This is a period and context that I haven't delved into before. I was inspired to read this book from my trip to Rhodes last year, where the siege and subsequent capture by the Ottoman Empire is a highlight in the history of the island. (Incidentally, The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a damn impressive castle.) The author produces an entertaining narrative with colorful characters in Barbarossa, Suleiman, Don Juan and the rest. He also manages to keep the narratives of all 'sides' equally sympathetic, whereas most western history involving the Ottomans characterizes them as villains. I wish I'd read this before I visited Venice; I probably won't ever venture forth into that tourist Disneyland again, and I would have appreciated my visit more if I'd known of this slice of history beforehand.
I would definitely read more history by Crowley; he strikes a magical balance between factual and fascinating.
I would definitely read more history by Crowley; he strikes a magical balance between factual and fascinating.