Andrew Finkel

I only give it three stars because, to me, it was not the most engaging of books. It is not bad, just not riveting. However, what it does provide is a good overview of Turkish history and politics in a fairly concise way. The book is part of an Oxford UP series on "what everyone needs to know" on various topics. I do like the format of the book as question and answer as it allows for learning in small chunks. It also lends itself to just finding what you need to know on a specific topic. So, if you want to get a quick overview of Turkey, this is a pretty good way to do so.… (mere)

Finkel's book on the current political situation and international standing of modern Turkey is an informative read that will bring to light much of Turkey's current political issues.

He covers everything from Ataturk to the current arguments for and against European Union membership to the economic situation in Istanbul as the ever changing cultural center of Turkey.

Perhaps the most fascinating parts of the book deal with Turkey's as yet untapped potential as a modern economic player. One very much gets the sense that the best of what Turkey has to offer the world, despite its tremendously rich cultural history, may have yet to be seen.

It is this optimism about Turkey's future which drives the book forward and makes clear Finkel's extensive and intimate knowledge of the subject.… (mere)