The Oxford History of Byzantium | 
 enlarge | Creator: Cyril Mango
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Category: Book
List Price: $55.00
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Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 323077
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 376
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.5
Dimensions (in): 9.8 x 7.2 x 1.5
ISBN: 0198140983
Dewey Decimal Number: 949.502
EAN: 9780198140986
ASIN: 0198140983
Publication Date: December 5, 2002
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Product Description
The Oxford History of Byzantium is the only history to provide in concise form detailed coverage of Byzantium from its Roman beginnings to the fall of Constantinople and assimilation into the Turkish Empire. Lively essays and beautiful illustrations portray the emergence and development of a distinctive civilization, covering the period from the fourth century to the mid-fifteenth century. The authors - all working at the cutting edge of their particular fields - outline the political history of the Byzantine state and bring to life the evolution of a colourful culture.
In AD 324, the Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantion, an ancient Greek colony at the mouth of the Thracian Bosphorous, as his imperial residence. He renamed the place 'Constaninopolis nova Roma', 'Constantinople, the new Rome' and the city (modern Istanbul) became the Eastern capital of the later Roman empire. The new Rome outlived the old and Constantine's successors continued to regard themselves as the legitimate emperors of Rome, just as their subjects called themselves Romaioi, or Romans long after they had forgotten the Latin language. In the sixteenth century, Western humanists gave this eastern Roman empire ruled from Constantinople the epithet 'Byzantine'.
Against a backdrop of stories of emperors, intrigues, battles, and bishops, this Oxford History uncovers the hidden mechanisms - economic, social, and demographic - that underlay the history of events. The authors explore everyday life in cities and villages, manufacture and trade, machinery of government, the church as an instrument of state, minorities, education, literary activity, beliefs and superstitions, monasticism, iconoclasm, the rise of Islam, and the fusion with Western, or Latin, culture. Byzantium linked the ancient and modern worlds, shaping traditions and handing down to both Eastern and Western civilization a vibrant legacy.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 The Oxford History of Byzantium September 6, 2007
An excellent introduction to the subject for non-specialists. Lucidly written covering all the main topics. Good bibliography for further in depth reading
 Excellent May 3, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is an excellent book that has already become almost a classic among the specialists. In a highly scientific manner it describes the most essential aspects of Byzantium avoiding the prejudices that have plagued the area for so long. All contributors are leading experts in the subject and have managed to incorprorate a substantial amount of current research in their articles.
Missing the point.... October 5, 2006
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
The other reviewers here seem to be missing the point. Oxford has a very large text covering this period in great detail...this book is not meant to cover everything in depth...that is the job of the other text. This book is designed to INTRODUCE readers to Byzantium, no go into great depth, hence its shortness. It is an OVERVIEW not a compilation of all of our knowledge of Byzantium. As an OVERVIEW it does an acceptable job at covering the materials. It has its shortcommings, but is an alright text.
 One of Oxford's Less Successful Enterprises August 4, 2004
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
The Oxford History Series is usually well done, with two exceptions, this book and the volume on the Crusades. Both are woefully short for their subject matter and just does not cover the subject in the depth that one is used to in other volumes of the series. I am highly disappointed in Oxford for this one.
an extremely disappointing work January 26, 2004
19 out of 20 found this review helpful
While one certainly can't expect the history of Byzantium to be dealt with exhaustively in a 300+ page book, this book falls seriously short of Oxford University Press's typically high standard. 12 contributors' work make up this compilation of articles on the history of Byzantium. Most of the articles seem rushed and many are tedious to read (this coming from someone fascinated by the subject.) Additionally, many of the authors write in a condescending tone. There isn't a footnote or endnote to be found, although there is a chapter by chapter bibliography. I would seriously consider looking elsewhere for books on the subject, especially considering the price.
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