It delves into the unique Mamluk system, a self-perpetuating society that recruited and rigorously trained young, non-Muslim slaves, converting them to Islam and molding them into formidable soldiers. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Mamluk Sultanate's military organization, political structure, and cultural contributions, arguing that the Mamluks were not only a strong military force but also sophisticated political actors who adapted to maintain power. It uses Arabic chronicles and recent scholarship to offer a nuanced view of Mamluk society.
The narrative unfolds chronologically, first introducing the origins of the Mamluk system, then examining the consolidation of their rule, including key battles like Ain Jalut, and finally analyzing the internal and external factors that led to the Sultanate's decline.