This four-volume study is a major compilation for students of Ottoman history and culture, particularly the late period where the political and social structures were not able to evolve in the face of intellectual and industrial expansion in the outside world. The ensuing, inevitable collapse led to the British and French mandates of the entire Middle East, as well as Balkanisation, and created the conditions for the gradual emergence of nation-states through the course of the twentieth century, as well as a host of wars and ethnic conflicts, some of which are still extant. It is the late period, roughly 1789-1922, which attracts the most students because of the interest in the external influences and the political aftermath. However, the collection also contains key background articles to set the historical scene and provide full context. An enhanced understanding of late Ottoman history is indispensable not only to comprehend modern Turkey or even the vast geographical area that was once ruled from Istanbul. It is also essential for the study of European and world history.
The Ottoman experience may serve as a superb laboratory for examining the impact of modernity in non-European settings. Given the size of the subject matter and the need to have a good knowledge of numerous languages (in addition to the extinct Ottoman language, which changed considerably from one century to the next) . A well-edited compilation of major articles will overshadow all general works on Ottoman history. Volume I focuses on Ottoman administration, bureaucracy, and diplomacy (as well as bureaucratic modernisation and reforms.) Volume II examines Ottoman intellectual life and culture, with an emphasis on cultural modernisation and westernisation. Volume III looks at Ottoman economic and social life, and Volume IV focuses on Ottoman politics. Each volume has its own introduction, plus short notes covering individual sections (or in some cases, articles).