<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>In this compelling piece of narrative history, Capponi describes the clash between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League that led to the Battle of Lepanto and takes a fresh look at the bloody struggle at sea between oared fighting galleys and determined men of faith.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br>When the heavily manned fleet of the Ottoman Empire met the ships of a fragile coalition of Christian European states in 1571, the waters off the coast of Greece, they say, "ran red with blood." It was a victory of the West-the first major victory of Europeans against the Ottoman Empire. In this compelling piece of narrative history, Niccolò Capponi describes the underlying clash of cultures and takes a fresh look at the bloody struggle between oared fighting galleys and determined men of faith. As a description of the age-old conflict between Christianity and Islam, it is a story which resonates today.<p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><b><i>Choice</i></b><br>Voluminous yet highly readable account of the naval battle of Lepanto and preceding events This very fine study significantly expands current scholarship on the subject. Highly recommended.<p><b><i>Saudi Aramco World</i></b><br>[A] readable collection Author provides background information and explanation so that complex interactions become accessible to the reader, and the book is enhanced by good illustrations and a very useful bibliography.<p><b><i>Shepherd Express</i></b><br>Stewart is a compelling writer <i>When Asia Was the World</i> will help raise popular awareness that the Earth's history didn't begin in Europe.<p><b><i>International Journal of Maritime History</i></b><br>"Impressive...Capponi's account has many merits."</p></p></p><br><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br><b>Niccolòpponi</b> is the author of the highly acclaimed <i>Victory of the West</i> and former fellow of the Medici Project. A direct descendant of Machiavelli, he lives in Florence, Italy.