The Berlin-Baghdad Express
by McMeekin, Sean
Review
In this excellent, well-researched and fascinating book, Sean McMeekin has given us a welcome and stimulating perspective on a highly important but neglected part of the First World War. His account of the Turco-German war effort is a tale of high adventure, ambition and political chicanery with a cast of colourful, brave and sometimes ruthless characters. (Lawrence James Literary Review)An exciting new book by a talented young historian (Niall Ferguson Observer)McMeekin adds a wealth of documentation…[t]he result is a captivating new history of the Eastern Front in the first world war (Eugene Rogan Financial Times)McMeekin has written an engaging history peopled with larger-than-life characters in exotic settings (Eugene Rogan Financial Times)McMeekin has written a powerful, overdue book that for many will open up a whole new side to the first world war. (George Walden Observer)
In addition to bringing to life a fascinating episode in early 20th-century history, The Berlin-Baghdad Express contains several timely lessons and cautionary tales. (Wall Street Journal)
Sean McMeekin’s account possesses the large merit that it tells a story little known to Western readers, drawing extensively upon German sources. It depicts a splendid cast of characters heroic in their endeavors if absurd in their lack of accomplishments. (Max Hastings New York Review of Books)
About the Author
Sean McMeekin has written two previous books, both published by Yale University Press: The Red Millionaire and History’s Greatest Heist: The Looting of Russia by the Bolsheviks. He splits his time between the USA and Turkey.