A History of the Byzantine State and Society
The last few years have seen a renewed interest in Byzantium (e.g., John J. Norwich's A Short History of Byzantium, LJ 4/1/97, and Treadgold's previous Byzantium and Its Army 284-1081, Stanford Univ., 1995). Byzantium's role in shaping and passing down to us the tradition, law and literature of the Greeks and Romans was vital to the rejuvenation of Western civilization. With this work the author (history, Florida International Univ.) has produced a comprehensive history of Byzantium that covers both state development and societal change. Working from original sources and modern works, he weaves social and political developments into a vivid story of Byzantium's existence over the span of 1100 years. His work differs from Norwich's literary narrative compilations by drawing on the latest scholarship. Written for both the general reader and the scholar, this work may well become the standard English-language history of Byzantium. Highly recommended.?Robert Andrews, Duluth P.L., Minn.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.