I read the one-volume Norwich a decade ago and am thinking of reading the trilogy. I also have the recent biography of Justinian by Peter Sarris on my TBR list. I saw the Kaldellis at the bookstore and was a bit tempted, but ultimately didn't pick it up because I thought I might as well read the "full Norwich" and also because, as shallow as it makes me sound, I found the cover rather bland and unattractive, and if I'm shelling out 30 quid for it I would want it to be a standout in every way. 😅
I own the first two volumes of Norwich's trilogy, and I'm still planning to get my hands on the final book. The prose is outstanding, but from what I've heard, Norwich's history is seriously outdated and riddled with errors. Can't really say one way or the other, as I'm not an expert on the subject, but I think it's still worth reading for the prose alone. I am fan of Kaldelli's podcast though, and I'm looking forward to reading his book.
Well, I’ve been reading so much Runciman. He certainly doesn’t follow Gibbon’s lead in mocking and demeaning Byzantium. This sounds really good. I’d at least like to glance at the preface or introduction, “Why I decided to write this book…” Gibbon was a great place to start, but no one should leave it there. (Runciman was certainly not making excuses for the Crusaders.)
I read the one-volume Norwich a decade ago and am thinking of reading the trilogy. I also have the recent biography of Justinian by Peter Sarris on my TBR list. I saw the Kaldellis at the bookstore and was a bit tempted, but ultimately didn't pick it up because I thought I might as well read the "full Norwich" and also because, as shallow as it makes me sound, I found the cover rather bland and unattractive, and if I'm shelling out 30 quid for it I would want it to be a standout in every way. 😅
I really enjoyed Norwich, but Kaldellis adds a heap of scholarship onto the history. I hope you enjoy whichever you go for.
Cheers, Jack
I own the first two volumes of Norwich's trilogy, and I'm still planning to get my hands on the final book.
The prose is outstanding, but from what I've heard, Norwich's history is seriously outdated and riddled with errors.
Can't really say one way or the other, as I'm not an expert on the subject, but I think it's still worth reading for the prose alone.
I am fan of Kaldelli's podcast though, and I'm looking forward to reading his book.
Well, I’ve been reading so much Runciman. He certainly doesn’t follow Gibbon’s lead in mocking and demeaning Byzantium. This sounds really good. I’d at least like to glance at the preface or introduction, “Why I decided to write this book…”
Gibbon was a great place to start, but no one should leave it there. (Runciman was certainly not making excuses for the Crusaders.)
Love the recent reads! I’m going to pick this one up, it’s not cheap but you sold me on it
I hope you enjoy it. There is an incredible amount of scholarship behind the book, and I learned quite a bit from Kaldellis.
Cheers, Jack
Finally.
I have the 3-volume history of Byzantium by John Norwich. I can't see how a small one volume can even approach the detail of Norwich.
good point. I also have the Norwich 3 vol bought used. 1000 years of history deserves more than 1000 pages.
There is no Byzantium--they called themselves Romans; the Germans invented the term Byzantine several hundred years ago.