Customer Reviews

The Oxford History of Byzantium

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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.

In spite of Byzantium finally getting its fair share of attention among historians over the last century, good single-volume introductions to the empire are few. John Julian Norwich's [[ASIN: A Short History of Byzantium]], an abridgement of his massive popular work in three tomes, is one option. But I was happy to come across THE OXFORD HISTORY OF BYZANTIUM and would recommend this as a good introduction. Each chapter of the OXFORD HISTORY was written by a different scholar, adding some variety to the book and hinting at issues considered contentious among historians. The book is also lavishly illustrated, and being able to see the architectural, urban planning, or artistic achievements of Byzantium gives one a better idea of what made Byzantium special. But what really sets the OXFORD HISTORY apart from Norwich's book is that it isn't formed as a mere dry chronology of rulers. The chapters covering straight-up chronology are four: "The Eastern Empiere from Constantine to Heraclius (306-641)", "The Struggle for Survival (641-780)", "The Medieval Empire (780-1204)", and "Fragmentation (1204-1453)". In between these, there are chapters dedicated to literary achievements, the life of the average man, and other matters that Norwich didn't treat adequately.

The book is not perfect. A number of authors here love pointlessly knocking Orthodox Christianity, curious when Orthodox readers form such a large market for Byzantium items. Also, there is no discussion of the life of women in the empire, which would be interesting to contemporary readers.

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.

I bought this book last Xmas at Foyles and brought it back to the states when I finally got the chance to read it. I frankly was very disappointed with it. The illustrations were fairly good but the text was not up to the usual standards of Oxford. Go to Norwich and you will be much better off !

An excellent introduction to the subject for non-specialists. Lucidly written covering all the main topics. Good bibliography for further in depth reading

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.

I have only started reading the book but is looks and reads great, if you are interested in this topic. I am an Orthodox Christian so it is right "up" my alley.
The book was like new and was in BETTER shape than was advertised.

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.

This book is not for the scholar, but can and ought to be read by any person with even the slightest interest in the mediaeval histories of Europe, the Church and the evolution of the relationship between church and state. Certainly the refreshing yet accessible perspectives presented in this volume do much to make Byzantium (with its one thousand years of unchecked caricature, associations and stereotypes) seem more like a real place with real people.