Empires of the Sea: The Siege of Malta, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Contest for the Center of the World

Magnificent book about less-known page in history.

Remarkable detailed and easy to read book . It is well researched account of the naval, social and political struggle between the Ottoman Empire and Western powers in the Mediterranean. Book describes the historical events of which were quite significant and dramatic yet much less known to the public than omnipresent eight wives of Henry VIII etc.

I grade the books as Buy and Keep (BK), Read Library book and Return ( RLR) and Once I Put it Down I Couldn't Pick it Up ( OIPD-ICPU). This one is BK ( all right, RLR if you are not a history fan).

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Excellent read

I was very impressed with Crowley's first book (1453: The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West) and was anxious to read the next installment. Crowley has a style that is easy to read and understand and turns what some might consider "dry" history into a colorful and exciting narrative that reads more like a novel. I found this book a real page turner and couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading his next book on Venice!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Fine and readable history

Enjoyed the action in here and learned quite a bit. A very good refresher on a key point in western civ.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A page turner!

If you like History, you must read this one. Very entertaining.

What the-?

Is this about Virginia?

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Better than the "Maltese Falcon"!

Having fallen in love with Malta when there on a trip, I read everything I can about Malta. This book as certainly not a disappointment. Loved that it also includes the lead-up to seige of Malta and what happened to Suleiman after Malta held on and the Muslims were forced to leave. In case you don't know; the date of the defeat of the Muslims at the siege of Christian Malta was September 11. Sound familiar to anyone! Yes, that is why that date was chosen for an attack on USA; payback for their defeat in the 15th century, which was the beginning of the end of the Ottoman Empire.

Highly Recommmended for Religion, History, AND Mediterranean Cruisers

I bought this book as we prepare to cruise the Mediterranean once again. The knowledge gleaned from this well written book is immeasurable bringing the violent history to life. As I read the book I kept saying to myself, "I didn't know that".
On a Nook the drawings are too small which is an issue with most books but that is not the author's issue. It did not detract from the book's content.
If you are into religious history, history in general, or if you are going to cruise the Mediterranean, I highly recommend reading this in advance. It's a great book also if you've already been to the Mediterranean.

Great Book

Great Read, Gives backgound information that is needed, enjoyed the book

Empire of the Sea

I enjoyed the book, especially since I had spent a week in Malta a few years ago. It also sparked an interest in the Hapsburgs who ruled Spain at the time as well as Suleman, who ruled the Ottoman Empire.

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