Providing an unusual perspective of Western views of the Islamic East, the seven stories reprinted in this collection are autobiographical accounts by Englishmen captured by (Ottoman) Barbary
pirates in the 17th century. An introduction is included on the subject of slavery in early modern North Africa and England by Nabil Matar (English, Florida Institute of Technology, he is also
a specialist in Turkish). The introduction and the stories offer insights into business methods of the period and similarities between the faiths, as seen in the story of one of the Englishmen,
who, when rescued by Spaniards, is tortured by the Inquisition as a Protestant. Vitkus (English, Florida State U.) provides a short introduction to each narrative, which he has annotated,
translating unusual phrases. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
