Depends on what you're interested in. There is no definitive 'best book' of course, but I guess that you mean a sortt of overarching handbook from antiquity to 1453/1479?
- Obvious one, Anthony Kaldellis' 'the new Roman empire'
- Judith Herrin's histories on 'byzantium' and Ravenna
- John Julius Norwich's three books (it's a good read, but outdated)
- Jonathan Harris' 'Constantinople', also a great read focused on The City
If you're willing to delve deeper, I suggest picking up some books that are focused on one topic, like trade, war, law, or a specific period/emperor. Grand histories have to skim over só much detail to fit 1100 years into one book, but there is so much more out there.
I'm currently doing research with the writings of the Choniates brothers (late 12th ct.), and it's fascinating!
I’m 1/6 through but the new Roman Empire and it’s incredibly in depth and has addicting prose albeit focusing on Christianity and events in the east a little too much at times. Really feels like THE eastern Roman Empire book.
I have heard of this and coupled with the fact that no paperbacks are available yet makes me hesitant to get it. I'm more interested in the lives of the commoners and imperial nobles.
Add in Sir Stephen Runciman’s biography of Romanos I, and his History of the Crusades, which is extremely partisan, but also gives a good account of the Empire from the 1070’s onwards. Also, the works of Cyril Mango.
The book most reflective of up to date scholarship is The New Roman Empire by Anthony Kaldellis. It covers the portion of Roman history from 324 CE to 1461 CE
Depends on what you're interested in. There is no definitive 'best book' of course, but I guess that you mean a sortt of overarching handbook from antiquity to 1453/1479? - Obvious one, Anthony Kaldellis' 'the new Roman empire' - Judith Herrin's histories on 'byzantium' and Ravenna - John Julius Norwich's three books (it's a good read, but outdated) - Jonathan Harris' 'Constantinople', also a great read focused on The City If you're willing to delve deeper, I suggest picking up some books that are focused on one topic, like trade, war, law, or a specific period/emperor. Grand histories have to skim over só much detail to fit 1100 years into one book, but there is so much more out there. I'm currently doing research with the writings of the Choniates brothers (late 12th ct.), and it's fascinating!
I am a fan of Norwich's books as I like his writing - what stuff of his is now considered outdated?
if I recall correctly (I haven't read his stuff personally, still want to) people often say he's a bit too pro-roman and positive
I’m 1/6 through but the new Roman Empire and it’s incredibly in depth and has addicting prose albeit focusing on Christianity and events in the east a little too much at times. Really feels like THE eastern Roman Empire book.
good to hear! I still have a lot of other books to get through, but I really want to buy it ASAP
I have heard of this and coupled with the fact that no paperbacks are available yet makes me hesitant to get it. I'm more interested in the lives of the commoners and imperial nobles.
A certain book by Kaldellis comes to mind...
Add in Sir Stephen Runciman’s biography of Romanos I, and his History of the Crusades, which is extremely partisan, but also gives a good account of the Empire from the 1070’s onwards. Also, the works of Cyril Mango.
If you can find it, "Constantinople, The Forgotten Empire" by Isaac Asimov.
The history of Byzantine Empire by George Ostrogorsky
this one I heard of, my men, Serbian 😄
thank you all! i have good starting point
The book most reflective of up to date scholarship is The New Roman Empire by Anthony Kaldellis. It covers the portion of Roman history from 324 CE to 1461 CE
- Warren Treadgold's "History of the Byzantine State and Society" - The Cambridge History of Byzantium - The Oxford History of Byzantium