History of the Byzantine Empire: Vol. 2, 324-1453

BRILLIANT! Highly recommended read. I read both Vol 1 and 2 and have learned so much more on Byzantium. Mr. Vasiliev has done a truly great job of capturing, compiling and recording so much detail to give us one of the most thorough accounts of the Byzantine Era. Thank you.

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Like Bury's volumes which correct much of Gibbons' conclusions, this two-volume adds even more modern analysis to Roman and Byzantine history. Unfortunately, the panorama is so vast that two short volumes scarcely suffice for the subject. Vasiliev can barely get into a subject or even episode before he has to leave it for another. Sometimes he gives a longer biography of a cartographer or ancient traveler than to an emperor. If you'd like to skim over the Roman period from its founding to its overthrow, you'll find this light and interesting reading. If you'd prefer drama and greater detail, try Gibbon and Bury.

Both volumes of Vasiliev's Byzantine History are excellent. Vasiliev is regarded as one of the top historians and this is well proved by his published work. I am happy I could find his Byzantine History through Amazon, for a good price as this kind of books is generally quite expensive.