The Fall of the Ottomans

The Great War in the Middle East

By: Eugene Rogan

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Fall of the Ottomans, award-winning historian Eugene Rogan brings the First World War and its immediate aftermath in the Middle East to vivid life, uncovering the often ignored story of the region's crucial role in the conflict.

Bolstered by German money, arms, and military advisors, the Ottomans took on the Russian, British, and French forces and tried to provoke jihad against the Allies in their Muslim colonies. Unlike the static killing fields of the Western Front, the war in the Middle East was fast moving and unpredictable, with the Turks inflicting decisive defeats before the tide of battle turned in the Allies' favor. The great cities of Baghdad, Jerusalem, and finally Damascus fell to invading armies before the Ottomans agreed to an armistice in 1918. The postwar settlement led to the partition of Ottoman lands between the victorious powers and laid the groundwork for the ongoing conflicts that continue to plague the modern Arab world.

A sweeping narrative of battles and political intrigue from Gallipoli to Arabia, The Fall of the Ottomans is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the Great War and the making of the modern Middle East.

©2015 Eugene Rogan (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An illuminating work that offers new understanding to the troubled history of this key geopolitical region." ( Kirkus)

Informed

The Ottoman Empire fell just over 100 years ago. I am embarrassed how little I knew about this tumultuous conflict its cost in blood and treasure and its lasting legacy which reaches into and shapes the current affairs of the region.

Absorbing Account of Neglected History

I've already listened to it twice through. Fascinating subject, well researched. Strong narration. 4.5 stars

comprehensive and cohesive

a comprehensive review of the participation of the Ottoman Empire in the Great War. It includes explanations of the imperial ambitions and double.dealings of tje Entente Powers and a recount of the Armenian genocide that I found ver enlightening.

Perhaps better to read than listen

History isn't my usual subject matter for long form listening. I'm usually more in the fiction realm. However, reading Orhan Pamuk and listening to Eli Shafak highlighted my near ignorance of Ottoman history. The book was enjoyable, seemed well organized and informative. The performance was very good, a clear and pleasant voice. I found myself rewinding frequently due to the density of the subject matter, and as I do most of my listening while driving I did not have the luxury of being able to pause and look up supporting material such as maps as often as I would have liked. For these reasons I wonder if reading wouldn't be a better option in this case. But this is probably true for most history books. If you are listening at home and take the time to pause and supplement your listening, your experience may be different. Still, while I have no significantly better access to names and specific dates, this listen did give me a good foundation for understanding the complicated foundations of political realities in the Middle East. I imagine listening to this book would be a very useful supplement in itself to a student or buff immersed in multiple sources. Definitely worth the credit.

Enjoyable and informative

this book was enjoyable and informative, providing details on the background of an area still roiling in turmoil and misery.

A great summary

A great way to get an idea of the beginning of the end. Very easy to follow even with more minimal background.

Great listen

Should have book or atlas handy for reference of the regions. Very well done book. I would recommend this book.

A Great Story

If you want to understand what is happening in the Middle East today, you need to read/listen to this book. It is a clear and thrilling narrative of how the world was changed by WWI, and how the best laid plans of the victorious west went astray and led us to today's unfinished struggles.

Fills in a huge, vague gap

I only had a vague idea about the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. ...great book

Essential

The information presented in this book is absolutely necessary to gain an understanding of our modern situation.