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Secrets of the Harem
Describes the Turkish harem, detailing the social and historic traditions of the sultans and the women they kept
191 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 3, 2015
'Secrets of the Harem' by Carla Coco is a popular history book detailing the life, function and attraction of the imperial harem.
It is lavishly illustrated and competently written. Coco clearly shows her interest and knowledge of the harem and the oriental culture that surrounds it. It is a fun and salacious read with great emphasis on the scandalous nature of the harem.
However, despite the overriding enthusiasm that characterises the entire book, Secrets is first and foremost a rather sensationalised book which relies heavily on turning the harem into an exotic and erotic haven.
The fact that this book does not take into account Leslie P. Pierces The Imperial Harem which was published before Secrets is a powerful set back towards taking this book seriously as a historical text.
The pictures used throughout Secrets are often Western interpretations of the harem and Ottoman life and customs. Therefore they should be reviewed sceptically and often inaccurate. However, Ottoman illustrations abound throughout the book and do much to establish Secrets as wide ranging and well researched.
All in all, a fair and interesting read but one that shouldn't be considered great history.
I got Secrets of the Harem from my university library.
It is lavishly illustrated and competently written. Coco clearly shows her interest and knowledge of the harem and the oriental culture that surrounds it. It is a fun and salacious read with great emphasis on the scandalous nature of the harem.
However, despite the overriding enthusiasm that characterises the entire book, Secrets is first and foremost a rather sensationalised book which relies heavily on turning the harem into an exotic and erotic haven.
The fact that this book does not take into account Leslie P. Pierces The Imperial Harem which was published before Secrets is a powerful set back towards taking this book seriously as a historical text.
The pictures used throughout Secrets are often Western interpretations of the harem and Ottoman life and customs. Therefore they should be reviewed sceptically and often inaccurate. However, Ottoman illustrations abound throughout the book and do much to establish Secrets as wide ranging and well researched.
All in all, a fair and interesting read but one that shouldn't be considered great history.
I got Secrets of the Harem from my university library.
Displaying 1 of 1 review