Also interwoven, for historical context, is a biography of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the mono-ethnic Turkish republic which replaced the multi-ethnic Ottoman world.

ECONOMIST: New fiction

My books include the novels "Sellout" and "Wink" and several educational titles (subjects varying from drug abuse and its impact on society, a historical look at domestic spying, and a biography of Bill Gates) as well as "Tested XX" - the bestselling history of my rather inbred family, which also happens to be America's oldest family of knife-makers, the infamous Case clan.

FORBES: I seek small stories with big implications.

Anthony Holden's biography follows him to the end, clearly and intelligently, though without the restless engagement and historical richness of Mr Roe.

ECONOMIST: Leigh Hunt