The Siege of Vienna by John Stoye is a thorough and well-written description of one of the critical moments of European history - the 1683 attack by the Ottoman Empire against the heart of Central Europe. While Western Europe was focused on the growing might of France under Louis XIV, the still powerful Ottoman superpower had been nearly forgotten until a huge army suddenly engulfed Vienna resulting in a siege that would have changed history if it had succeeded (which it nearly did).The author does an excellent job describing the political situation in Europe, analyzes the many important players from the Ottoman Vizier to Emperor Leopold to Polish King Sobieski, and provides a methodical account of the siege. There is plenty of drama as the multi-national relief force is slowly gathered and moves towards Vienna.The siege of Vienna in 1683 was one of the turning points in European history. So great was its impact that countries normally jealous and hostile sank their differences to throw back the armies of Islam and their savage Tartar allies. The consequences of defeat were momentous: The Ottomans lost half of their European territories, which led to the final collapse of their empire, and the Habsburgs turned their attention from France and the Rhine frontier to the rich pickings of the Balkans. That hot September day in 1683 witnessed the last great trial of strength between the East and the West-and opened an epoch in European history that lasted until the First World War. Title: The Siege of Vienna Author Name: Stoye, John Location Published: Birlinn: 2000 Binding: softcover Book Condition: Excellent Pages: 246 Categories: European Wars 1600s Seller ID: 1863
