Khaled Ziadeh's 'The Sultan's Scribe' offers a fascinating historical exploration into the unique profession of jurists and intellectuals who served in the courts of Islamic sultans. The book meticulously examines how these learned individuals navigated the complex dynamics of power, using their knowledge and intellect to influence state policies, provide counsel, and shape the legitimacy of the ruling authority. It sheds light on their dual role as both scholars upholding religious and legal traditions and pragmatic administrators involved in the machinery of governance, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between knowledge, power, and authority in historical Islamic societies.