I finally got my copy of this book and have started reading it. While I haven't finished I thought I would give my first impressions:
This book is in desperate need of an editor! Typos are more common than usual: Giolitti becomes Gioletti for a little while, instead of the plural "Ottomans" they often write the possessive "Ottoman's", etc.
Chapter 4 is titled "Adriatic Veto" -- and that's how it's spelled on the title page, but in the header on each page in the chapter it's misspelled "Adriatci Veto". Chapter 5 is title "The Italian's Land" but I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be "The Italians Land"!
Ok, with that rant out of the way -- I'm enjoying the book. The information is detailed, and Stephenson has been very good about providing the background for the war, and putting it in terms of the wider context of European relations, and fears of potential Balkan conflict leading to a general European war. He admits up front that he had more Italian sources than Turkish ones, so that may bias his account, but so far I don't see much in the way of bias, and Stephenson seems to be sensitive to point out when sources might be biased.
Sometimes the author uses lots of quotes in succession, which can break up the flow of the narrative, but isn't that big of a deal. When giving place names he usually supplies the alternative names/spellings used. When detailing ships involved in naval actions, he always provides the class, which should be useful to wargamers. Maps, and pictures are pretty good (if a bit small), including some of photos of Turkish forces which I rarely see.
So far I would recommend the book, but if typos, etc., really annoy you, you might want to wait (hope) for a second edition.
Thank you enfant perdus for pointing this book out!
adds an infantry platoon to his WWI Brits.
