Rating: 
Summary: Byzantium II: The Empire Strikes Back
Review: Note: The review cited above refers only to the first volume
in this excellent history of Byzantium (the whole trilogy will apparently appear in abridged form in March 1998).
This second volume covers the period from 800AD and the coronation of
Charlemagne (which irrevocably split the Roman Empire into "West" and "East") to the battle of Manzikert in 1071 which saw
Constantinople cut off to a large degree from its principal resources in Asia Minor (after the Imperial army
was defeated by the Seljuk Turks).
Throughout the narrative Lord Norwich concentrates to a
large degree on the constant conflicts between the Empire and
its neighbours - the Bulgars to the north-west, the Rus to
the north east and the forces of Islam to the south.
A sense
of ultimate doom is inevitable as you read the book, and yet
some of the greatest characters in Byzantine history make their
appearance in this period. This appears, indeed, to be the apogee of the eastern empire and you are left in little doubt as to what would have happened to the subsequent history of Europe if emperors with the power and wisdom of Basil II had not come to the throne and countered the forces pressing from the east and south.
There are so many frustrating questions as well: how might the history of Christianity have differed if the
personalities involved in the "filioque" controversy - which
contributed greatly to the schism between the eastern and
western church - had been different? Might there still have been an Eastern Empire (or its close descendent) today if the
amicable terms agreed between the Seljuk Turks and the defeated emperor Romanus Diogenes been honoured by those who
overthrew him?
We will never know, of course, but it is fun
to speculate and this excellent overview of the highpoint of
Byzantine history provides an excellent platform for asking
that most intriguing of historical questions "what if ......?"
Rating:
Summary: Byzantium II: The Empire Strikes Back
Review: Note: The review cited above refers only to the first volumein this excellent history of Byzantium (the whole trilogy will apparently appear in abridged form in March 1998). This second volume covers the period from 800AD and the coronation of Charlemagne (which irrevocably split the Roman Empire into "West" and "East") to the battle of Manzikert in 1071 which saw Constantinople cut off to a large degree from its principal resources in Asia Minor (after the Imperial army was defeated by the Seljuk Turks). Throughout the narrative Lord Norwich concentrates to a large degree on the constant conflicts between the Empire and its neighbours - the Bulgars to the north-west, the Rus to the north east and the forces of Islam to the south. A sense of ultimate doom is inevitable as you read the book, and yet some of the greatest characters in Byzantine history make their appearance in this period. This appears, indeed, to be the apogee of the eastern empire and you are left in little doubt as to what would have happened to the subsequent history of Europe if emperors with the power and wisdom of Basil II had not come to the throne and countered the forces pressing from the east and south. There are so many frustrating questions as well: how might the history of Christianity have differed if the personalities involved in the "filioque" controversy - which contributed greatly to the schism between the eastern and western church - had been different? Might there still have been an Eastern Empire (or its close descendent) today if the amicable terms agreed between the Seljuk Turks and the defeated emperor Romanus Diogenes been honoured by those who overthrew him? We will never know, of course, but it is fun to speculate and this excellent overview of the highpoint of Byzantine history provides an excellent platform for asking that most intriguing of historical questions "what if ......?"
Rating: 
Summary: Superlatives Won¿t Do
Review: The 3 volumes of this series are, without a doubt, the best non-fiction books I have ever read. The author makes wondrously clear a twisted and brutal story, entertaining to such an extent one forgets he is reading history, and yet leaving the reader feeling as though he lived through it all. Admittedly, some credit must go to Byzantium itself, the history of which is fascinating; with more murders, plot twists, and intrigues than Hollywood's best could create in a year. Many an author, however, have stumbled over the same events with appreciably less ability for storytelling. Only the limitations of my own writing constrain my ability to convey how excellent this book is, not to mention his others, which I am now collecting. 200 years from now historians will be asking themselves what I am already wondering: where can I get a signed copy?
Rating:
Summary: love it for what it is
Review: the author himself states that this is not a surgical analysis of the innermost workings of the empire itself- this is a historical narrative of the empire's roots and beginnings, and its rise and fall. it is not just a story, however. mr norwich strives for the truth of what is behind the making of byzantium, and the people who made into what it was, and is very balanced and unbiased in the statements he makes, and doesn't pull any punches. this book will be especially rewarding for those who have come close to suicide reading painfully dry history books of similar stock. this is probably the most beautifully written history book i have ever read. mr norwich is funny, emotional, and his writing tone is fluid and personal. if you are interested in byzantium and want to know more about it, READ THIS SERIES. it does not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: The author is not a professional historian. He does not know how to read the sources critically and is unable to select and reject the secondary literature, but he has a beautiful style, and if you're not too concerned with historical accuracy, it is a pleasing introduction to a fascinating subject. DOWN WITH GIBBON!
Rating:
Summary: Very witty
Review: The way Norwich writes is hilarious! He has such a dry sense of humor and is ultra witty. I would read this only if you have prior experience with Byzantine history because this will seem very jumpy to those who try to read it as their first book on Byzantium. If you love Byzantine and Orthodox Christian history, read it, but only after you have read other books on them so as to have a basis in what you are taking in which will help you fill in the blanks. He's doesn't talk too much about the Nestorian controversy which is something I would have liked very much to read about from his perspective. Over all, an excellent read, very funny, I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Byzantium: The Apogee is excellent
Review: This book was the first I read of Norwich's trilogy - by accident, of course. I didn't realize it was the second of three books until I started reading it. It is SUCH a fascinating account of an empire that is now gone. I became interested in reading about the history of the Turkish area when I visited Istanbul last summer, and am now very interested in the rich history of that city. The debt owed to Byzantium is more than most of us ever learn about. Byzantium's rich culture retained much ancient learning which served eventually to spur Europe out of the dark ages. It is impossible to read this book without becoming consumed with curiosity for the other two books of the trilogy. The reader gets a very good look at the inside of the empire, but also is given glimpses of other empires and peoples as they affected or interacted with the direction of Byzantium. Personalities, politics and intrigues; families, buildings and architecture; religion, government, and commerce; geography, weather, and natural disasters; armies, navies and strategy; invasions, skirmishes, disease, torture, destruction, death and birth; all are given in depth treatment by Norwich in order to show the meandering evolution of the Byzantium Empire and its interactions with Europe and the Middle East. The book is richly annotated, which adds greatly to the enjoyment, in my opinion. The beginning of the book sees religious dogma continuing to widen the schism between the Western and Eastern Empires and the end of the book sees the Byzantium facing its first major loss of land in military defeat to the Turks. I highly recommend the trilogy to all history buffs.
Rating:
Summary: Gibbon made easy
Review: This heading is not meant to deride the achievement of J.J. Norwich. In fact, it is a compliment. He rewrites the last most difficult part of Gibbon's history (of the Greeks, or Byzantium) but provides a far more coherent text and context. His history, or rather his story, is entertaining, informative and easy to follow. Even moving in parts. Whereas Gibbon was wont to disparage, Norwich is there to explain. Put the two authors together, Gibbon's sweep and Norwich's tendency to sympathy, and you have a powerful combination by which to understand a substantial component of the history of humanity. If I were critical, it is that too much emphasis is placed upon the actions of individuals, ie. the near-endless role call of succeeding emperors, whereas Byzantium can only be understood as a medieval corporate state. Then again, Norwich admitted as much in his story.
Rating:
Summary: _The Apogee_ is a true summary of this work
Review: This is amongst the best histories of a great civilization I've yet to read. Concise, with enough amusing anecdotes to give the reader a sense of delving into the material, the author has put together a wonderful, easily read work. It has the skills and enjoyability of a Tuchman book. It is highly recommendable to those seeking an initial historical overview of the Eastern Roman Empire at the peak of its curve.
Rating:
Summary: The Glory that saved Europe
Review: This is an essential book to read. It reminds us that it was during the 800-1000 period that the resistance of Byzantium to Islam, and other "barbarians" was a key factor in allowing Western Europe to develop and secure its basis for its future civilization. It is in this book that we see best our debt to Byzantium. It remains that it is in this second book of the trilogy that we start to see some of the flaws of Mr. Norwich methods. His almost exclusive interest in lining up facts starts playing against his narrative. In the first book, some of the motors of history were simpler. In the period here described things get more complex. It would be very helpful for some of us to have a clear description of which were the main trade routes and products traded, the evolution of the human population and repartition, etc... How can one understand all the wars that took place during those centuries? Are we supposed to assume that the Slavs invaders just woke up one day and said "Gee, I guess I will attack Byzantium today". Still, the story is interesting and the books are nicely complemented with illustrations and charts though maps are not as helpful as they should be. With so many wars it would have been good to show maps with a few arrows that pointed the main areas of attack and vulnerability of the diverse countries surrounding Byzantium.
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