Byzantium and Venice : a study in diplomatic and cultural relations /

It is surprising that relations between these two states have not been the subject of a major publication before now. Standard histories of Byzantium place its contacts with Venice in the context of its total foreign policy, exactly as historians of Venice do. However, no one who reads the elegant prose of Donald Nicol (University of London) will regret the wait. This book will be the authoritative work on the subject for our generation. No illustrations, restrained but adequate use of footnotes, well-chosen bibliography, good index. Essential for college and university libraries. Suitable for undergraduates and general readers; required reading for graduate students and professional historians. -W. L. Urban, Monmouth College (IL)