Notes Set Down in History is a monumental two-volume collection that brings together the speeches and interviews of Halil İnalcık, globally revered as the "sheikh of historians." Spanning from 1947 to 2015, this comprehensive compilation allows readers to hear directly from İnalcık on a vast array of topics, from the intricacies of Ottoman history to the realities of modern Turkey, encompassing art, literature, politics, and historical methodology. As Bernard Lewis famously noted, while others were great scholars of their time, İnalcık is a great scholar of all time; a sentiment echoed by Mark L. Stein, who observed that removing İnalcık's work would leave a complete void in Ottoman history.

İnalcık's academic contributions are indispensable, analyzing history from a remarkably broad perspective enriched by his unique scientific methodology. As American social scientist Immanuel Wallerstein stated, limiting İnalcık to the title of "historian" is insufficient; he actively shaped the discipline itself, contributing his profound methodology and knowledge to the profession. Serving as a quintessential summary of his groundbreaking career—which includes 66 books and nearly 500 articles—this prestige collection dedicates its first volume to his speeches delivered at various venues and times, while the second volume compiles his extensive interviews. Together, they form an invaluable historical record, capturing centuries-spanning insights that serve as masterclasses for future generations.