The book you linked to is definitely the best of its kind, and the scholarship is impeccable.

However, as I said, it is limited by its sources - or lack of them.

And some of the descriptions of some social events and status is not actual like it really was at the time. The problem is that the author(s?) have to rely on books they can read instead of interviewing people who actually lived through certain times.

Another problem I see with it is that people - because it was written by a genuine Professor and in accordance with academic standards to form and presentation - think it more authoritative than it really is.

But, nonetheless in spite of its limitations a great book.