Byzantium [Hardcover]

Michael Ennis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The hero of this long, densely written saga is the dispossessed Viking prince Haraldr Sigurdarson, a real historical figure who participated in the power struggles of the Byzantine Empire, where he served incognito as an imperial bodyguard. Most of the other characters are plucked from history too, among them vain Empress Zoe and her vacillating, guilt-ridden emperor husband; the power-mad monk Joannes, Theodora, Constantine and fiery Maria of the Robes. Journalist Ennis, whose first novel this is, elaborates on actual historic events to create a mosaic of conspiracies and betrayals, sexual excess, battle scenes. Yet beneath the chic, glittery decadence he rings changes on time-worn themes: the redeeming power of love, lust for power versus statecraft, the conflict between desire and duty. Readers undeterred by the overly ornate prose and long descriptive passages may take to this 11th-century debauch. The dialogue, at times stilted, is now and then wonderfully theatrical. In their cynicism, closeness to death and philosophy of living for the moment, these Byzantines have a contemporary feel.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Ennis's first novel memorably evokes the panoply, wars, plots, wealth, poverty, and curious commingling of Christianity and paganism in the 11th-century Byzantine empire. Based on historical events and personages, it centers on Harald Sigurdarson, a Norse prince who flees his homeland to end up leading mercenaries in Constantinople. Caught between rival factions, he is drawn to Maria, the sensual Mistress of the Robes whose dreams link their destinies. Vivid imagery is employed whether describing shipboard battles or the grisly details of ritualistic torture and execution at which the monks prove as adept as the "barbarians." Although the novel could have benefited from judicious pruning, it provides many hours of enjoyable, suspenseful reading. Highly recommended for historical fiction collections.
- Ellen Kaye Stoppel, Drake Univ. Law Lib., Des Moines, Ia.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 768 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Pr; First Edition/First Printing edition (July 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871132753
• ISBN-13: 978-0871132758
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Byzantium, March 24, 2001

By 

Randy Kuchta (Eddyville, IA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Byzantium (Hardcover)

I pulled this hefty tome down off the shelf a few nights ago, looking for a good,sustained winter read. I got one. This epic adventure by Michael Ennis begins on the eve of a great Viking battle for the kingship of Norway, circa 1030 AD, and leads the reader into the intrugue, romance, and adventure of the Byzantine Empire. I had to stop a few times, back up, and take some running starts at this book. I found a dictionary a useful companion and I swear that Mr. Ennis must have worn out a Thesaurus or two, but after a hundred pages, the BIGNESS of the prose matched the period in which the hero, Haraldr Sigurdson, a Viking Prince without portfolio, is placed. This is a richly portrayed tale of the inner core of an empire,replete with slaves and eunichs, beautiful women, lusty warriors knee-deep in gore, sinister priests, murder, insurrection, and so much more.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, November 24, 2002

By 

T. J. Miller (AUCKLAND 1310 New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Byzantium (Hardcover)

An excellent read. Goes straight into my list of top 5 books. The story of Harald Sigurdarsson (harald Hardrada) and his journey to Byzantium to serve in the Varangian Guard. His return to the kingship of Norway and inopportune defeat by Harald Godwinsson at Stamford Bridge. I hope the author continues in this vein. There are so many stories to be told from the North.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, February 27, 2011

By 

TheEngineer (San Francisco, California United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Byzantium (Hardcover)

This is a historical period that holds a great interest for me and the protagonist cuts across so many of the great stories of history. The Norse wars, early interaction between the Vikings and the Principality of Kiev, the Vikings in the Eastern Roman Empire, Byzantium and Persia and finally the Battle of Stamford Bridge in Northern England. Can you believe all that is in one book? And the best part is that it is historically true.

It's a grand adventure played for the absolute highest stakes and that's what gives it such great meaning. It is a very well written novel and if you have any interest in the actual history of the period, this is a plausible and fascinating read. If you have no interest in the history, I am sure this will kindle that spark in you.

If you're just starting to look into Byzantium, check out Lars Brownworth's "12 Byzantine Rulers" for an engaging overview. Its a podcast so you can easily access and enjoy it. And if you are looking for comprehensive detail see "A History of the Byzantine State and Society" by Warren Treadgold.

Byzantium was such an extensive and long lived empire and gave so much to the modern world, but seems forgotten like Constantinople under Istanbul.

As a novel, this was a great read with unforgettable characters and great plotting. You will enjoy it.