French and Ottoman historian Mansel ("Constantinople: City of the World's Desire, 1453–1924") re-creates the daily life and political idiosyncrasies of the three jewels of the Levant: Smyrna (now Izmir, in Turkey); Alexandria, Egypt; and Beirut, Lebanon. Beginning at the start of the Ottoman Empire's relationship with France in the 16th century, Mansel examines thoroughly each city and its people as a study in contrasts. Although Europeans and Ottomans, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, lived and worked side by side in these Levantine ports, all was not cosmopolitan bliss. Mansel skillfully highlights the nationalist, religious, and cultural conflicts that plagued Smyrna, Alexandria, and Beirut well into the 20th century, while at the same time still acknowledging that the diversity of religion, nationalities, and ideas that coexisted in the Levant existed nowhere else in the world. VERDICT This is a rich piece of historical storytelling that will satisfy scholars, travelers, readers of travel literature, and everyone in between. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in this complicated region of the world.—Veronica Arellano, California, MD Copyright 2011 Reed Business Information.
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