The siege of Vienna in 1683 was one of the turning points in European history. So great was its impact that countries normally jealous and hostile sank their differences to throw back the armies of Islam and their savage Tartar allies. The consequences of defeat were momentous: The Ottomans lost half of their European territories, which led to the final collapse of their empire, and the Habsburgs turned their attention from France and the Rhine frontier to the rich pickings of the Balkans. That hot September day in 1683 witnessed the last great trial of strength between the East and the West-and opened an epoch in European history that lasted until the First World War.

Reprint of ed. published: Edinburgh : Birlinn, 2000.

The Origins of the Ottoman Attack -- Leopold I and the City of Vienna -- The Defence of Habsburg Interests in Europe -- The Threat to Vienna -- The Siege -- Outside the City -- Warsaw, Dresden, Berlin and Regensburg -- The Relief of Vienna -- The Consequences of Victory.