'An astonishing era that deserves to be more widely understood... Freely provides a fascinating overview, beautifully researched and riveting in its detail.' - Christopher Fowler, Independent on Sunday; 'A richly-coloured, highly-entertaining book that I wished I'd had to hand when I strolled round the Topkapi.' - Lawrence James, The Times; 'Wonderful... rich with anecdote and first-hand accounts.' - Mail on Sunday