Product Description
“This is the revised English translation from the original work in Russian of the history of the Great Byzantine Empire.  It is the most complete and thorough work on this subject.  From it we get a wonderful panorama of the events and developments of the struggles of early Christianity, both western and eastern, with all of its remains of the wonderful productions of art, architecture, and learning.”—Southwestern Journal of Theology ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Fascinating; Great; Terribly Important!
This is the first volume of Vasiliev's monumental work on the history of the Byzantine, or later Roman, Empire.And it is one of the most fascinating and enjoyable histories we have ever read.It is also a scholarly and well written text.More significantly, the work is terribly important, as it sheds light on an empire whose role in world history is too little understood.

Vasiliev inveighs mightily against the absurdity of Gibbon, who averred that the Christian Roman Empire came to an end in 476 A.D.This, of course, is an entirely artificial construct, which has no foundation in historical reality.Since the fourth century, the Roman Empire had been governed from Constantinople.And this Roman Empire lasted well into the fifteenth, not the fifth, century.

The writing is beautiful.We have just ordered, received, and begun to read the second volume of this very important and excellent work.We are grateful to the University of Wisconsin Press for making this work available and to Amazon.com for their outstanding system of distribution of such important material.

Classic reference on Byzantine history
This two volume set is a well-written, succinct, scholarly, and engaging history of the Byzantine Empire from the time of Constantine right up through the final conquest of Constantinople in AD 1453. I was assigned both volumes as a text in a Byzantine History class in college and I must give Vasiliev at least partial credit for awakening in me an intense interest in all things Byzantine. As one of the top Byzantine scholars of the 20th century, Vasiliev wrote with a command of the facts and theories that was a match for any of the scholars of his day. Indeed, his knowledge base tended to be wider than most Western scholars due to his access to sources in Russian and Slavonic that were often unavailable or unutilized outside of Russia.

Though originally published in 1958, this set remains a benchmark. Vasiliev retains a scholarly objectivity throughout the work, with perhaps only a slight trace of bias in favor of the Slavs. This is in stark contrast to many of the more recent treatments of Byzantine history which have an annoying tendency to impose marxist, relativistic judgments on the Byzantines while just as often exculpating their Islamic antagonists. Vasiliev does none of this. His passionate interest in his subject matter is also very obvious.

Overall, even after nearly 50 years, there is no work currently on the market which is better suited as a core text for a course in Byzantine history. The set would also make a fine supplement to a general course on Medieval European history.

Is it 2-volume?
In Russian language this book is in FIVE volumes and about 2000 pages long.

Good reference
This two volume book is so detailed that you'd certainly want to keep it as a reference in your library if you are interested in the history of the Near and Middle East.
Vasiliev writes in an academic style, produces the same sections for each one the epochs that he covered, but does not miss any detail.
His book reflects great academic skills in the methodology of writing history.
The book might not be as entertaining, but it is certainly worth a read.

"Born to the Purple..."
This 2 volume -History of the Byzantine Empire- is
the best detailed, readable, and multi-faceted
presentation that one is likely to find.The
periods in each chapter are well-focused, annotated
with scholarly notes, and divided into segments
with very helpful subtitles. The first volume of
the set (ISBN: 0299809250), after Chap. 1 which
is titled "The Study of Byzantine History," proceeds
with Chap. 2, "The Empire from the Time of Constantine
the Great to Justinian"; Chap. 3 is "Justinian the
Great and His Successors (518-610)"; Chap. 4, "The
Heraclian Epoch (610-717)"; Chap. 5, "The Iconoclastic
Epoch (717-867)"; and Chap. 6, "The Macedonian Epoch
(667-1081)."
Volume 2 (ISBN: 0299809269)has Chap. 7, "Byzantium
and the Crusades"; Chap. 8, The Empire of Nicaea
(1204-1261)"; and Chap. 9, "The Fall of Byzantium."
There is also an Appendix with an "Emperors of the
Byzantine Empire" chronology and "Genealogical Tables
of the Byzantine Dynasties."
As the concluding section of each of the historical
chapters, there is an excellent section on the
"Learning, Literature, and Art" during that particular
era. All of the famous and secondary figures of Byzantine
History can be found in this useful set. Here is an
excerpt from the "Literature..." section of Chapter 1,
Vol. 1 -- "Another extremely interesting figure of this
epoch is the woman philosopher, Hypatia, who was killed
by the fanatical mob of Alexandria some time in the early
part of the fifth century.She was a woman of exceptional
beauty and unusual intellectual attainments.Through her
father, a famous Alexandrian mathematician, she became
acquainted with the mathematical sciences and classical
philosophy.She gained wide fame through her remarkable
activities as a teacher.* * * One source told how,
'clothed in a mantle, she used to wander about the city
[of Alexandria, Egypt] and expound to willing listeners
the works of Plato, Aristotle, or some other philosopher.'"
One of my favorite people discussed at length in the
work is Michael Acominatus, the very Idealistic lover
of Hellenic culture, who was appointed Archbishop to
Athens and served for a period of 30 years.
-- Robert Kilgore ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
Byzantium lasted a thousand years, ruled to the end by self-styled 'emperors of the Romans'. It underwent kaleidoscopic territorial and structural changes, yet recovered repeatedly from disaster: even after the near-impregnable Constantinople fell in 1204, variant forms of the empire reconstituted themselves. The Cambridge History of the Byzantine Empire tells the story, tracing political and military events, religious controversies and economic change. It offers clear, authoritative chapters on the main events and periods, with more detailed chapters on particular outlying regions, neighbouring powers or aspects of Byzantium. With aids such as a glossary, an alternative place-name table and references to English translations of sources, it will be valuable as an introduction. However, it also offers stimulating new approaches and important new findings, making it essential reading for postgraduates and for specialists. ... Read more

Product Description
A historical overview of the cultural phenomenon of the Byzantine Empire and its legacy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sounds weak but modern day
I have not read this book but this caught my eye in the notes "but it includes many visuals, making it nonreader friendly." I have never seem that term. Why should a book meant for reading be NONREADER FRIENDLY, has modern book publishing followed that low? It also mentions that it's not as readable as Asimov's book. So why don't they reprint his book and add some pictures or maps. Based on such a weak review it would seem better to recommend the concise history of the Byzantine Empire by Treadgold or by Haddon or go back to Asimov. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume: 2General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1854Original Publisher: BlackwoodDescription: Vol. 2 has title: History of the Byzantine and Greek empires, from DCCXVI to MCCCCLIII.Subjects: Byzantine EmpireNicaea, Empire ofHistory / Ancient / RomeHistory / MedievalHistory / Europe / GreeceNotes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free.Excerpt: WAR OF ALEXIUS WITH BOHEMUND. 143this way he was embarked at the port of Suda, in a A. D. -. 11 .1 j j 1081-1118.vessel of which all the equipage were dressed inmourning. The Princess Anna adds that a dead fowl was shut up with him in the coffin; that even in case the vessel should be visited by the Greek officers, they might be deterred from opening the coffin by the offensive odour. " I must acknowledge," says the learned lady, " that there is nothing capable of overcoming the obstinacy with which the barbarians pursue their plans."1 Bohemund reached the coast of Italy in safety, but a contrary wind delayed him at the entrance of the Adriatic until his provisions and water were exhausted. He ventured to visit Corfu in order to obtain refreshments and purchase provisions ; and the governor, not possessing a sufficient force to attack this redoubted enemy of the empire, permitted the communication. On quitting Corfu, Bohemund sent this message to the Byzantine governor -- " Inform your master that the Prince of Antioch has arisen from the dead, and will soon give proofs of his vitality."Bohemund hastened to Rome in order to excite the Pope to aid him against the Emperor Alexius. Pope Pascal II., who adopted all the ambitious schemes of Gregory VII., and strove to establish the papal domination over all Christian princes, approved of the ... ... Read more

Product Description
This book describes the role of the medieval Orthodox Church in the Byzantine Empire (c.600-c.1453). As an integral part of its policy it was (as in western Christianity) closely linked with many aspects of everyday life both official and otherwise.It was a formative period for Orthodoxy. It had to face doctrinal problems and heresies; at the same time it experienced the continuity and deepening of its liturgical life.While holding fast to the traditions of the fathers and the councils, it saw certain developments in doctrine and liturgy as also in administration.

Part I discusses the landmarks in ecclesiastical affairs within the Empire as well as the creative influence exercised on the Slavs and the increasing contacts with westerners particularly after 1204.Part II gives a brief account of the structure of the medieval Orthodox Church, its officials and organization, and the spirituality of laity, monks, and clergy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Good
Anyone who wants to know more about the history of the Orthodox Church needs to read this book.It is excellent.

Easy reading and informative.
This book was one of the best and easiest to read and understand of all books on the history of the Orthodox Church in the Byzantine Emoie.

terse at times
This book outlines the history of the Byzantine Church fromthe 7th century to the fall in 1453. If you want to know all the names of the all the Patriarchs of Constantinople and what they did etc., then you can probably find them in this book. Its broad coverage of the Church is both a strength and a weakness. A strength in the fact that you can learn something about anybody anda weakness in the fact that you might not care to read about them (the author's language is not overly enjoyable to plough through).

The book is divided into a history section and a Organization and Life of the Church section. The history was as is described above. The Organization section was extremely tedious and I skimmed most of it. However, it might be invaluable to one who wants to know about administration of the Church.

Overall, an OK read. However, I recommend Myendorff's Theology of Byzantium over this, to get a better grasp on the doctrines and theology. Hussey's book though will give you more of the 'historical' facts though,so to speak, and less of the meaning of the beliefs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

QUESTION
This hardcover VOL II version has no narrative description! QUESTION: How does it differ from 'History of the Byzantine Empire', VOL I [paperback], by same author; A.A. Vasiliev, 1952? Does VOL II hardcover extend the history beyond that of VOL I [1081 AD]? What other differences exist between VOLs I & II? ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1856Original Publisher: W. Blackwood and sonsSubjects: Byzantine EmpireNicaea, Empire ofByzantine empireHistory / MedievalHistory / Europe / GreeceNotes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free.Excerpt: Book i. dethroned within the space of twenty-one years. Of c"' '8 2' these, four perished by the hand of the public executioner,1 one died iu obscurity, after being deprived of sight,2 and the other was only allowed to end his days peacefully in a monastery, because Leo felt the imperial sceptre firmly fixed in his own grasp.3 Every army assembled to encounter the Saracens had broken out into rebellion. The Bulgarians and Sclavonians wasted Europe up to the walls of Constantinople ; the Saracens ravaged the whole of Asia Minor to the shores of the Bosphorus.Amorium was the principal city of the theme Anato- likon.4 The Caliph Suleiman had sent his brother, Moslemah, with a numerous army, to complete the conquest of the Roman empire, which appeared to be an enterprise of no extraordinary difficulty, and Amorium was besieged by the Saracens. Leo, who commanded the Byzantine troops, required some time to concert the operations by which he hoped to raise the siege. To gain the necessary delay, he opened negotiations with the invaders, and, under the pretext of hastening the conclusion of the treaty, he visited the Saracen general engaged in the siege with an escort of only 500 horse. The Saracens were invited to suspend their attacks until the decision of Moslemah -- who was at the head of another division of the Mohammedan army -- could be known. In an interview which took place with the bishop and principal inhabitants of Amorium, relating to the proff... ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: History of the Eastern Roman Empire. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 173. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: This article continues the History of the Roman Empire, referring mainly to the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire. It begins with the division of the Roman Empire by Diocletian in 286 AD, and the founding of Constantinople (officially called "Second Rome" and later "New Rome") as the capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine I in 330, while it concludes with the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the Fall of Trebizond in 1461. Map of the Roman Empire showing the four Tetrarchs' zones of influence after Diocletian's reforms.During the 3rd century, three crises threatened the Roman Empire: external invasions, internal civil wars and an economy riddled with weaknesses and problems. The city of Rome gradually became less important as an administrative centre. The crisis of the 3rd century displayed the defects of the heterogeneous system of government that Augustus had established to administer his immense dominion. His successors had introduced some modifications, but events made it clearer that a new, more centralized and more uniform system was required. Diocletian was responsible for creating a new administrative system (the tetrarchy). He associated himself with a co-emperor, or Augustus. Each Augustus was then to adopt a young colleague, or Caesar, to share in the rule and eventually to succeed the senior partner. After the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, however, the tetrachy collapsed, and Constantine I replaced it with the dynastic principle of hereditary succession. The Baptism of Constantine painted by Raphael's pupils (15201524, fresco, Vatican City, Apostolic Palace). Eusebius of Caesaria records that, as was customary among Christian con...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=20024282 ... Read more