Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium

 Jonathan Harris' new edition of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title, Constantinople, provides an updated and extended introduction to the history of Byzantium and its capital city. Accessible and engaging, the book breaks new ground by exploring Constantinople's mystical dimensions and examining the relationship between the spiritual and political in the city. This second edition includes a range of new material, such as: * Historiographical updates reflecting recently published work in the field * Detailed coverage of archaeological developments relating to Byzantine Constantinople * Extra chapters on the 14th century and social 'outsiders' in the city * More on the city as a centre of learning; the development of Galata/Pera; charitable hospitals; religious processions and festivals; the lives of ordinary people; and the Crusades * Source translation textboxes, new maps and images, a timeline and a list of emperors It is an important volume for anyone wanting to know more about the history of the Byzantine Empire.

Review: With this new edition, Harris has improved on his thoughtful and engaging analysis of the powerful myth of Constantinople, and its evolution over the centuries. The text has been expanded with new sections on women, homosexuals, non-Christians, Latins, and a fuller treatment of Latin rule and the return of Greek rule in the last two and a half centuries. The addition of several primary text boxes is a useful tool for students and general readers alike. * Nancy Bisaha, Professor of History, Vassar College, USA *

A new edition of Jonathan Harris's Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium is most welcome. Always one of the most stimulating and attractive introductions to Byzantine history, it has been updated to take advantage of recent advances in scholarship and of exciting new archaeological discoveries made over the past twenty years. These are covered in an exhaustive list of websites, which is a welcome addition to the bibliography. There are many more illustrations now with illuminating commentary. These changes make it even more accessible. * Michael Angold, Professor Emeritus, University of Edinburgh, UK *