John Freely's THE GRAND TURK Reviewed in Booklist

Booklist offers a critique of The Grand Turk: Sultan Mehmet II—Conqueror of Constantinople and Master of an Empire, by John Freely: "The fall of the “impregnable city” of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 ended the enfeebled Byzantine Empire; it also confirmed the emergence of a new, vibrant, and aggressive power that would control the southern and eastern rims of the Mediterranean. The Turkish assault on the city was led by Mehmet II, who was only 21. Freely, who has written numerous books on Turkish history, offers a well researched survey of Mehmet’s life and times. The author does an admirable job of separating myth from reality. Long despised by European Christians as a bloodthirsty tyrant, Mehmet is shown as a far more complicated figure. Given the serpentine nature of Ottoman dynastic politics, he was capable of ruthlessness and fratricidal violence. Yet, he was no thug. He could conduct diplomacy with subtle effectiveness and use it to avoid war when possible. Still, like Ottoman rulers before and after, his ultimate goal remained territorial expansion. A useful, informative survey that provides a balanced view of a seminal epoch in world history." — Jay Freeman

Nigel Slater's Best Roast Turkey Sandwiches from REAL FAST FOOD

We're off for Thanksgiving weekend, but will sign off with a couple of post-Thanksgiving sandwich ideas from the great Nigel Slater, author of Real Fast Food, just released in a new paperback edition with an introduction from Nigella Lawson:

Roast Turkey, Apple, and Cranberry Sandwich

Slice the cold roast turkey into pieces about as thick as a silver dollar, which is probably thicker than you would expect. Grate an apple or two, skin and all, and stir in a dollop of cranberry sauce. Scatter in a few walnuts and add a drizzle of nut or sunflower oil. Season the sliced turkey, being enthusiastic with the salt, then pile onto unbuttered brown bread with the grated apple and cranberry.

Roast Turkey, Hot Bacon, and Chutney Sandwich

Now we're talking. Butter two slices of hot toast. Cover one thinly sliced cold roast turkey. Spread the turkey with mango chutney. Cover the mango chutney with baconthat is both hot and crisply fried. Slap on the second piece of butter toast.