Mustafa Kemal's story is that of a visionary patriot who mastered the arts of both war and peace to lead his people forward, and who left behind him a rich legacy of pride and inspiration for the nation he dedicated his life to creating.

Once, Turkey had been the mightiest power on earth, with domains stretching from Asia to the gates of Vienna. But when Mustafa Kemal was born in 1881, Turkey was "the sick man of Europe", riddled with corruption, barely able to pretend to control the remnants of its empire

From earliest childhood, Kemal's ambition was to serve his country, and he soon gained a reputation as a brilliant young military officer. In the violence and chaos of World War I, Kemal saw the opportunity he needed. Turkey's bitter defeat became Kemal's victory when, as Turkey's only military hero, he rallied his people against the Great Powers who were dismembering Turkey and the weak sultan who was selling her out. On the battlefield, Kemal led his outnumbered troops to amazing victories, and at the conference table, he outplayed the most powerful nations in the game of international diplomacy.

As the first and lifelong President of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal was determined to bring his nation out of the Middle Ages and into the twentieth century. He cut through all obstacles and opposition to promote reforms in every area of Turkish political, cultural and economic life. Turks were forced to wear Western clothes, receive Western education. Women abandoned the veil.

Mustafa Kemal was arrogant and ruthless, but his singleminded dedication to his country earned him the name Atatürk — Father of Turkey. As a fighter and diplomat, he led his country to freedom; as President, he revolutionized her culture.

From the dust jacket

*Jacket by Atelier 57, Ltd.