Reviews (28)

Great for seekers!
This is one of Bishop Ware's best! It is a great intro to Orthodox Theology. However, do not expect to find much history or ritual details. It is mainly an introduction, and touches on the fundamentals. Being an ex-Vineyard Church youth pastor, I especially liked his spiritual approach to theology, which seems to have been lost by most western theologians. I found myself in tears and full of the holy spirit reading this book!It's a must read!-Yes, I am an Orthodox convert.

... should be called "The Christian Way"
While I am an Evangelical Protestant, I have enjoyed this book tremendously.Often, when reading various passages, I felt that this book should be re-named "The Christian Way" because of the orthodox truths presented.
Not my cup of tea
I've heard the raves but I was just not impressed. It was radically different in tone and style than The OC by Ware. The non-Orthodox quotes get annoying fast and almost silly to the extent in which they are used. Also why did he feel he quote the Gospel of Thomas (I think that's what it was) and the Gospel of Truth (gnostic?). Odd.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Eastern Christian Churches    4. Religion    5. Religion - Theology    6. Christian doctrinal theology    7. Orthodox Churches    8. Orthodox Eastern Church   

Reviews (55)

Another Orthodox Perspective
Any non Greek Orthodox person should take great caution in reading this book as it is in no way a definitive book on The Orthodox Church.Where Ware excels in explaining a very condensed history of The Orthodox Church he loses all credibility by throwing in Greek Orthodox propaganda.Please note, The Philokalia and The Jesus Prayer which are mentioned multiple times in this book are not widely used in the Russian Orthodox Church. Somehow he exemplifies the troubles of the Russian Orthodox Church under communist rule but barely discuses the widespread corruption in the Greek Orthodox Church.He almost goes to the point of saying that the `locum tenens' aren't part of the `real' Orthodox Church.Many would argue that these are the "True Orthodox Church." Chapter 16 "The Orthodox Church and the Reunion of Christians" is nothing more than an editorial.His support of the Anglican Church and his distaste for the Roman Church is nothing more than ecumenism.The truly sad aspect of this book is that it is one of the only English written Orthodox books on the market.Hopefully a less biased book will be available in the future.

Robert Bonds-A Searcher for God in the Land of Shallow Wells
This is an excellent work which provides the reader a very good history of Orthodox Christianity.If one is a searcher, by that looking to find a new church home after becoming disenchanted with the various demoninations in the Western Church, then this should be on one's reading list.
Solid introduction to the history and theology of the Orthodox Church
If you know little of the history or theology of the Orthodox Church but desire to learn more, this is a good place to start.I suspect that many Orthodox believers will find this book of interest aswell.The author, an Orthodox bishop, wrote this book primarily to explain the Orthodox faith to the (non-Orthodox) English speaking world.The first half of the book summarizes the history of the Church, the second half doctrinal and theological issues.The Orthodox tradition is much more closely linked to the cultural and national identities (e.g. Greek and Russian Orthodox) of its adherents than either the Catholic or Protestant traditions, so Church history and national history of traditionally Orthodox people are intertwined.Bishop Ware discusses the early development of the Church, the first Ecumenical Councils, the Great Schism with the Catholic Church, and the Church under the Ottoman Empire and under the Communists.The second part of this book is the most interesting in my opinion.Bishop Ware presents the Orthodox view on the most important theological issues including the nature of God, God's relationship with man, and the organization and functioning of God's church on Earth.He writes with a concise, readable prose and avoids getting side tracked on narrow points of theological or philosophical discussion that are probably not of interest to a general audience.It is a clear, direct exposition of Orthodox faith and beliefs.Throughout the book, theological differences with other Christian traditions are highlighted.If you want to understand the basics of Orthodox theology, this is an excellent starting point.This is a well-written, informative book and I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Orthodox Eastern Church    5. Religion    6. Early Church    7. Orthodox Churches    8. Religion / Orthodox Churches   

Reviews (12)

Intellectually Dazzling, Experientially Mystical, Lossky Is Unique and Unequaled

Superb and Serious
Vladimir Lossky's "Mystical Theology' is one of the most profound books ever written about Christianity.It is a superb volume for armchair theologians, clerics of every stripe, those seeking a greater understanding of God in Trinity and human nature, and those wishing a lucid explanation of the differences between the Holy Orthodox Church and more occidental, rational, and secular forms of Christianity.
Lossky is brilliant
This was one of the first books I tackled in my conversion process to the Orthodox Catholic Church.Orthodoxy is so profound, so deep, so mystical... it makes all man-made theologies look like shallow charicatures.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Doctrinal Theology    4. Eastern Christian Churches    5. Mysticism    6. Religion    7. Religion - Theology    8. Christian mysticism    9. Christian theology    10. Orthodox Churches   

Reviews (11)

A decent, but flawed, follow-up to"Mountain of Silence"
I read "Mountain of Silence" by Kyriacos Markides a couple of years ago and was captivated by the description of Orthodox Christian spirituality that it presented."Gifts of the Desert" continues much in the same vein, through discourses detailing the author's trip to St Anthony's monastery in Arizona (with some history of that monastery), and another trip to Cyprus to have more conversations with Fr. Maximos (now Metropolitan Maximos), the main figure from "Mountain of Silence".Also, Markides records an interview with British Orthodox theologian Bishop Kallistos Ware - making the book well-rounded overall in content.
The Athonite Way?
Kyriakos Markides, the Cypriot-American sociologist from Maine is back with another fine volume, dealing with the mystical aspects of Orthodox Christianity.He relates these to many eastern and new age religions and practices.However, his main focus is on the spirituality of the Holy Orthodox Church and he presents this with reverence and love.
Needs More Despota Maximos, Less Markides
There are some gems in here, but unfortunately I can't recommend the book.Just when you begin to delve into the depths of Orthodox Christian spirituality, Markides sticks in some comment comparing this with Zen Buddhism or Hinduism or something else New Age.Go ahead and read the Bhagavad Gita, for example.It is very interesting, yet completely eclipsed by the teachings of Orthodox Christianity, rendering any comparison ridiculous.I suppose Markides should be cut some slack - he is, after all, an academe, so it's amazing that he's even made it this far.Actually, I believe that he may even say so himself :-)
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    4. Desert Fathers    5. Eastern Christian Churches    6. Middle East    7. Monastic and religious life    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious Congregations And Orders    11. Spiritual life    12. Religion / Orthodox Churches   

Reviews (1)

A Good Introduction
This is a well-written introduction to the history of the development of the Orthodox liturgy. It is easy to read and uncluttered by jargon. The author provides snapshots of the liturgy at various stages of its development, with particular emphasis on how the practicalities of worship at the great church in Constantinople influenced this development.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Doctrines    3. Eastern Christian Churches    4. Institutions & Organizations    5. Liturgy    6. Lord's Supper    7. Lord's Supper (Liturgy)    8. Orthodox Eastern Church    9. Religion    10. Religion - Church Music    11. Worship    12. Christian liturgy, prayerbooks & hymnals    13. Orthodox Churches   

Reviews (26)

The Very Earliest Christian Writings after the New Testament
Unless you read Latin and koine Greek pretty well, the only way to access the earliest Christian writings after the New Testament is in English translation. This collection of early Patristic writings is easily the best. The selection of works is comprehesive and intelligent and the translations are clear and contemporary. The introductory material introducing each selection provides scholarly introduction to each work. Except for the needs of the most scholarly, who will have to equip themselves with the language skills mentioned above and tackle the manuscripts, this will serve as a valuable tool to any thinking person seriously interested in the early history of Christianity and the development of its doctrines and practices.

A Great Asset
As a non-Catholic, I can attest that this work is a great piece of scholarship. Although written by a Roman Catholic, this book presents the views and writings of the Early Fathers with very little bias. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to research more about the origins of the Christian faith.

Awesome!!
For those with an interest in the history of the earliest Christians, this books is an awesome and enlighting read.It starts with the Didache, a writing that is contemporary to the New Testament and covers the first four hundred years of Christianity.If you want to know what to believe, then a logical person to ask (if you could) would be the people who were contemporaries of the apostles or who came immediately after.Well, we can't ask, but we can read what they wrote, which is the next best thing.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Catholic    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Religion - Roman Catholic   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

Great Reference Work!
Since the above discription is so complete, all I will add is that this work is very detailed and comes in under three pounds! THe articles are all balanced and scholarly, with great attention to the general reader. It is also a great way to find an updated bibliography on the subject as well, since all articles are followed by detailed biblios. There are few works like it in English. Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    3. General    4. Reference    5. Religion    6. EASTERN CHURCHES    7. Early Church    8. Reference works    9. Religion / Orthodox Churches   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Christian saints in art    4. Dictionaries    5. History - General    6. Icons    7. Italian    8. Subjects & Themes - Religious    9. Art & Architecture | History    10. Art / History / General    11. Orthodox Churches    12. Religious subjects depicted in art   

Reviews (28)

A FIVE STAR INTRO TO BYZANTIUM
This book is for anyone interested in history, especially ancient one. It is NOT for people who have NO interest in history at all, or (at the other end of the spectrum) people with a deep knowledge of Byzantine History (most of which have at least heard of Norwich and know they won't find anything new here).
An excellent survey-
For years I have wanted to understand how the ancient world gave way to the Middle Ages.This three-volume set illuminated many of the details of the Eastern Empire with its oriental influences and often dysfunctional theocracy. It is, however, a survey, and leaves one wanting the details which such an ambitious work cannot possible contain.I highly recommend it though and think it would be one way to discover that atrocities were not committed only by the Christians of history as we often hear nowadays.If Americans were as obsessed with medieval history as Muslims are, we would certainly teach our children about the Muslim hoards (the Ottomans) that took Byzantium in a bloodbath, slaughtered and enslaved its people, and turned its churches into Mosques. The Ottoman era is often referred to as a kind of "golden age" of Islam by some Muslims while others, Wahabis, for example, campaign for a far more severe regime.To understand more about that I suggest Dore Gold's excellent book, Hatred's Kingdom.

Great Book LOUSYPrinting
This is a great book by a great author but the printing was horrible! When I got to around page 190 the order was all screwed up. It went from 190 to 196 then I had to read backwards for a few pages. That has happend so much that I lost count of where I was everytime I started reading it. I am glad you sent this because I would like to return them both and get some copies with the proper paging. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Byzantine Empire    2. Byzantine Empire - History    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    5. Eastern Europe - General    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History / Europe / Eastern   

Reviews (16)

Number Three of an Ambitious Work
For years I have wanted to understand how the ancient world gave way to the Middle Ages. This three-volume set illuminated many of the details of the Eastern Empire with its oriental influences and often dysfunctional theocracy. It is, however, a survey, and leaves one wanting the details which such an ambitious work cannot possible contain. I highly recommend it though and think it would be one way to discover that atrocities were not committed only by the Christians of history as we often hear nowadays. If Americans were as obsessed with medieval history as Muslims are, we would certainly teach our children about the Muslim hoards (the Ottomans) that took Byzantium in a bloodbath, slaughtered and enslaved its people, and turned its churches into Mosques. The Ottoman era is often referred to as a kind of "golden age" of Islam by some Muslims while others, Wahabis, for example, campaign for a far more severe regime. To understand more about that I suggest Dore Gold's excellent book, Hatred's Kingdom.
Closure to a story of intrigue and fascinating history
If you have seen my other reviews on the previous two volumes, you will note that my criticism on the lack of maps is not a new one.However, once I get past that aspect of the book, wow...what a page turner.One of the reviewers here wrote "Gotterdamerung"...absolutely appropriate.The decline of one of the longest lasting empires is tragic in that the major Byzantine players had, at times,opportunities to reverse the decline, but Byzantine intrigue ruled the day.
Gotterdamerung in Constantinople
This book, the last of a trilogy covering the entirety of the Byzantine era, chronicles two of the most shameful episodes in Western history:the Fourth Crusade of 1204 (in which Christian crusaders turned on their co-religionists, conquering and devastating the city of Constantinople) and the Turkish capture of Constantinople itself in 1453 (the death-knell of the Eastern Roman Empire).Guilt over these two disasters resonates through Western literature and culture, and persists even to this day.The guilt is well-deserved:here was Christian culture's most artistic, most literate, best-educated society, with direct trade links to Asia and an equally direct ancestry to ancient rome, and the Western nations, through a combination of deliberate destruction and ill-considered neglect, managed to turn it into a sitting-duck target for the Ottoman Empire.The absorption of Constantinople/Byzantium into the Muslim world is reflected both the fact that the same city, now known as Istanbul, remains Turkey's capital; it is more directly reflected in the immediate conversion in 1453 of Sancta Sophia Cathedral into a mosque.A tragic demise of a great nation; a wonderful chronicle.Particularly interesting are the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, years of Latin or Western domination, followed by several gallant but unsuccessful attempts at achieving a Byzantine renaissance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1081-1453    2. Byzantine Empire    3. Byzantine Empire - History    4. Christianity - History - General    5. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    6. History    7. History - General History    8. Medieval    9. History / Civilization   

Reviews (44)

A manifesto for "introducing North America to the riches of this [Eastern Orthodox] historic faith"
The quotes are the last words in the book.This 'manifesto' (imho) is not another 'conversion' story but rather the true story of a spiritual journey; a journey embarked by a group of fervent evangelical Protestants (Campus Crusade for Christ leaders) and which lasted over a decade.Peter E. Gillquist (the author) is a brilliant marketeer and presenter of his group's spiritual journey, of their search for the ancient faith and original New Testament Church.
Good for what it tries to do
This is the story of how a group of 2,000 Evangelicals end up converting to the Eastern Orthodox church, and it's written through the eyes of one of their leaders, former Campus Crusade for Christ leader Peter Gilquist.
One's Transformation from Protestantism to Orthodoxy
Do you think that you are the only one who is dis-satisfied with Western Christianity?Is the constant blaring of praise music from a band and Power Point presentations on the church wall losing its appeal?Have you moved from church to church looking for something that is not quite there, not filling that spiritual hole that eats at your soul.Is all of your Bible study not answering the questions that keeps eating at you?Then reading the story of Peter Gillquist and his friends' search for a true relationship with God may be the first step on setting your mind at ease.
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Subjects:  1. Antiochian Evangelical Orthodo    2. Antiochian Evangelical Orthodox Mission    3. Antiochian Orthodox Christian    4. Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America    5. Christian Denominations And Sects    6. Christianity - History - General    7. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    8. Evangelical Orthodox Church    9. History    10. Orthodox Eastern Church    11. Religion    12. Religion - Church History    13. Gillquist, Peter E    14. Orthodox Churches   

Reviews (5)

One of God's names is beauty
I read Jim Forest's _Praying with Icons_ a few years ago when it first appeared.I just finished re-reading it, and am even more impressed this time around.Anyone familiar with Forest's other books knows how comfortably fluid his style is, and how insightful his ideas are.Both of these qualities make this the single best introduction to icons I know.
Praying with Art
I had always looked at Icons and labeled them 'primitive christian art'. But after reading Jim Forest's book 'Praying with Icons', I have fallen in love with iconography. The Icon artist does not paint without intention; each item in an icon has theological significance.
Prayerful, Reverent, Beautiful
Jim Forest, author of several books and a member of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship and other reconciliation and peace programs, has written a masterful work on icons and prayer.There is much in the political realm where Mr. Forest and I disagree, but putting differences aside, his book here is a wonderful work.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Cult    3. Eastern Christian Churches    4. English    5. Icons    6. Meditations    7. Orthodox Eastern Church    8. Prayer    9. Prayer-books and devotions    10. Prayerbooks - Christian    11. Religion    12. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    13. Christian worship    14. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Reviews (11)

Evangelical shake-up
This is one of those paradigm-changing books. At least, its the one that has brought me closest to converting from Baptistic evangelicalism to Orthodoxy (or, to a lesser extent, Catholicism).
a quick review
An excellent introduction to the apostolic fathers, including very helpful introductions and footnotes for context, and a much more modern translation of texts than is found in the Loeb Classical Library.

A mythical age comes alive
Since I'm only beginning to study the history of the early church, I can't comment on the omissions other reviewers here cite as this book's major flaw. But I can say that the documents included in the book offer the average reader a fascinating insight into the beliefs, pracices and history of the earliest post-Apostolic church. And for religious polemicists, these documents show that it was not a congregationalist, Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide church that enshrined the right of the individual believer to interpret and practice the Faith according to his conscience. This was a hierarchical, sacramental, united church which believed in the necessity of works in addition to faith and believed that its gold standard of truth and teaching authority resided in the Apostolic succession of its bishops. Since some of the Church Fathers included in this book had actually known the Apostles or men who had been taught by the Apostles, this view of Christianity has to be given the greatest weight as that intended by Christ. Roman Catholic apologists specifically will also find support in the First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians (circa 96 AD) in which the bishop of Rome involves himself in the affairs of the Corinthian church and adjudicates their dispute. Whatever your religious perspective though, this book is a wonderfully informative glimpse into a age most people only know about through the filter of technicolor Hollywood epics (Quo Vadis) or the bare-bones hagiographies of martyrs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian literature, Early    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Literature: Classics    4. Religion - Church History    5. Christian theology    6. Orthodox Churches    7. Religion / Church History   

Editorial Review

The Byzantine Empire, one of its most eminent students reminds us, lasted "for a total of 1,123 years and 18 days," which is an astonishing duration matched by only a few others. Condensing Norwich's three-volume history, this overview captures the splendor and strangeness of Byzantine rule, marked by family intrigues, constant warfare, political and religious strife, and personal ambition--a "somewhat lurid background," as Norwich modestly declares in passing. Norwich is a master of the telling vignette. In one, he writes of imperial guards made up of "Anglo-Saxons who had left their country in disgust after Hastings and had taken service with Byzantium." Facing a Norman enemy in southern Italy, these Anglo-Saxons exacted terrible vengeance until the Normans rallied under the leadership of a fearless woman, one Sichelgaita, and massacred their enemy. Norwich's book abounds in similarly surprising and absorbing episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Read the long one!
I began reading the Short History of Byzantium but soon became both frustrated and tantalized by the skipping-along-in-history that was necessary in order to condense a three-voume work into one.I have just purchased Volume I and am really enjoying it.I compared some passages between the two versions and found that, as I suspected, a lot of the material that made this history interesting and coherent had been left out in the condensation.It shouldn't take too much longer to read the whole thing, and you'll understand and remember a lot more.

Great history book -- and short, too.
The is a phenomenal book, fast-paced, action-packed, of the history of the Eastern Holy Roman Empire, based in Constantinople.The author seems to entirely know his history and is a wonderful writer.I have given it to friends and family members to read and enjoy.

An Absorbing History
Upon completing this work I immediately found myself asking two questions: 1. Why have I never heard more about the Byzantine empire in all of the history classes that I have taken in both high school and college, and 2. Why has there never been a lurid Hollywood epic about the fall of Constantinople?I am not particularly upset that the second question has not been answered, but as to the first, it seems as though modern historians just don't really know what to do with Byzantium.
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Subjects:  1. Byzantine Empire    2. Byzantine Empire - History    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    5. Civilization    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Medieval    10. World - General    11. History / World   

Reviews (6)

The heart is where God dwells
Published transcripts of talks are risky.Sometimes a lecture that is powerfully persuasive because of the personal charisma of the speaker comes across as dull and uninspiring when read.This is usually (but not always) an indication that there's little substance in the talk, and that its original appeal was founded more on smoke-and-mirrors than insight or wisdom.
A solid addition for any library
What has set Fr. Seraphim Rose of blessed memory apart from his contemporaries is that he was so far ahead of his time in his writings. In this little classic, we get to see how Fr. Seraphim Rose presented material to a group of college students. The degree of clarity and foresight in his thoughts and conclusions are on a level by themselves. What I enjoy most about Fr. Seraphim is not only his conversion to Orthodoxy, but the degree in which he crucified his intellect and subjected to Christ and the early Christian Fathers. This is a quick read, that if you are like me. You will have to read it several times to plumb the depths of the writings.

Why Study Religion?
_God's Revelation to the Human Heart_ is the transcript of a lecture that Fr. Seraphim Rose delivered to the students of comparative religion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1981.It can easily be read in one sitting, and although it is not the most in depth or detailed introduction to Orthodoxy, it is an insightful nonetheless.Fr. Seraphim begins his address with the question, "Why study religion?"The answer to this is to find out the meaning of Reality itself.The nature of this reality is in contrast with mundane reality, all of which eventually passes on in this world.True reality is something that cannot be perceived in a strictly empirical manner, but comes from within and glimpses at eternity.Fr. Seraphim also speaks of the search for religious experience and religious truth.An individual should not look for religious experiences per se because they can be the paths towards spiritual delusion, but rather towards Truth itself.The importance of suffering in Orthodox Christianity is also discussed, giving the well-known example of Alexander Solzhenitsyn (author of the _Gulag Archipelago_) who was persecuted by the Soviets for political dissent.Unlike in many Western countries, Christianity in Russia under communism was directly and brutally persecuted.Fr. Seraphim's conclusion discusses the spiritual rebirth that is happening in Russia today.Finally, the last few pages are the Question and Answer session after Fr. Seraphim's lecture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Inspirational    2. Inspirational - General    3. Orthodox Eastern Church    4. Religion    5. Spiritual life    6. Christian religious experience    7. Orthodox Churches   

Reviews (29)

A POWERFUL Resource
The Philokalia as translated by G.E.H. Palmer is a POWERFUL spiritual resource for developing humility, patience, and learning how to love and trust in God.It is an important tool for anyone trying to understand the ancient traditions of the Christian East.

For serious seekers only
Let me begin by agreeing with the warnings offered by other reviewers.These texts are not for beginners or the merely curious.But they have opened my eyes to the great wisdom of the Orthodox Christian tradition.Some of the readings remind me of Hasidic texts I read many years ago.Although Judaic, those texts also come from a part of the world where Orthodox Christianity was pervasive, and the far earlier date of the writings in Vol. I of Philokalia suggests where the rabbis may have gotten some of their inspiration.I deeply believe that adepts and contemplatives can inspire each other, even though they may belong to different faiths.So I don't feel that only Orthodox monks should read this, although they were the originally intended audience.New-Age dabblers will likely be turned off, but those of various beliefs who nevertheless seek deeper enlightenment will be nourished and inspired by the wisdom here.Read slowly, and with great care.

A Great Gift to ALL English Speaking Christians!
Now, after many centuries, Western Christians are able to study the mysticism of the Eastern church!
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Subjects:  1. Asceticism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    4. Doctrines    5. General    6. Orthodox Eastern Church    7. Philosophy    8. Religion    9. Spiritual life    10. Christian rites & ceremonies   

Reviews (25)

HAIL TO THE BYZANTINES!
This book, as many reviewers have pointed out, is part II of a trilogy and sequel to "Byzantium The Early Centuries". You don't really need to read the first book to follow this one, but you will certainly enjoy it much more if you read "The Early Centuries" first. In this volume you'll encounter many interesting characters: Emperors, Patriarchs of the Eastern Church, able generals, usurpers, debauchees and good-for-nothing bums. (In fact, some of them fall into two or more of the previous categories!). In my opinion, the story of Emperor Basil II alone is worth the price of this second volume. If you haven't read the first volume of this series and want to know about Byzantine History, consider taking advantage of Amazon's offer and get both volumes. You won't be disappointed.

Of great interest...
For years I have wanted to understand how the ancient world gave way to the Middle Ages.This three-volume setilluminated many of the details of the Eastern Empire with it's oriental influences and often dysfunctional theocracy. It is, however, a survey, and leaves one wanting the details which such an ambitious work cannot possible contain.I highly recommend it though and think it would be one way to discover that atrocities were not committed only by the Christians of history as we often hear nowadays.If Americans were as obsessed with medieval history as Muslims are, we would certainly teach our children about the Muslim hoards (the Ottomans) that took Byzantium in a bloodbath, slaughtered and enslaved it's people, and turned it's churches into Mosques. The Ottoman era is often referred to as a kind of "golden age" of Islam by terrorists and their sympathizers.

Excellent Story and Wll Written
I have read all three of the volumes in this set.Norwich maintained the same high level of story telling and descriptive detail throughout.Others may groan at the idea of 1000+ pages on the Byzantine Empire.It is their loss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 527-1081    2. Byzantine Empire    3. Byzantine Empire - History    4. Christianity - History - General    5. Christianity - Orthodox Churches    6. Eastern Europe - General    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. History / Europe / Eastern   

Reviews (1)

An informative but dry and imperfect survey
John Binns' AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES is a rare book in that it attempts to familiarise the reader with all of the Orthodox Churches, and not merely (as is common in English-language works on Orthodoxy) with those which accepted the Council of Chalcedon. While Binns' isn't successful in giving as much attention to these obscure Middle Eastern churches as to the well-known Byzantine church, his approach is worthy of some attention.