The author, who was American minister to Turkey, describes the country, politics, diplomacy, the Sultan, religion, Turkish wit and humor, minority groups, the Jews of Turkey, customs, harems, eunuch, slavery, marriage, the Balkans, Romania, Servia, Bulgaria, etc, and is well-illustrated throughout. Cox, a keen cultural observer, avoids diplomatic issues and seeks to impart something of the relaxation, if not the amusement, which furnished the pastime of a sojourn of unequaled refreshment and entertainment. Samuel S. Cox was United States Ambassador to Turkey from 1885 to 1887. Born in Zanesville, Ohio, he was the author of many books.