Posted on 12/28/2014 8:56:17 AM PST by Dartman
I just bought this book yesterday. It looks like it may be an interesting history of the Mediterranean area countries around the 10th century. But after having read the 10 page introduction (in which he mentions other books written on the subject, which he says may have been biased towards one religion or another), I'm not sure if I want to invest time in this book. He seems to lean a bit towards the Muslims. I would like to read an unbiased account. Is this it?
The major trend in this period was the Turks moving in, overwhelming the Arab Muslims and threatening the Byzantines.
The Turks adopted Islam, but they were Turks first and foremost, rather than Muslims. The religious angle was secondary to the ethnic.
Not to say the book isn't good, just that it may not reflect the most important factor (IMO!).
The Muslims WERE the story for quite some time. Never read this book, but sometimes reading from the other point of view helps you to understand the mind set. I would be interested in your thoughts on the book.
I haven’t read the book, just some reviews.
For the period of the book, I think the Turks were the prime mover, first moving in on the traditional Muslim realms, then beating the Byzantines at Manzikert in 1071 and rolling over Anatolia and Palestine.
This triggered the Crusades, which brought western Europeans into the eastern Mediterranean, and helped the Byzantines recover part of Anatolia. Then throughout the 12th century the Byzantines made a comeback, under the Comneni emperors.
Regarding the Normans in the Mediterranean, I think of the threat they posed to the Byzantine Empire. Then I think of their quarrels with the papacy.
The book under discussion seems to focus on particular outstanding individuals as mirrors of the various forces of the time.
My primary takeaway from the period is this: the Byzantine Empire went from overwhelming strength in 1025 AD, to disaster in 1071 at Manzikert, because they neglected their defenses, due to irresponsibility and political maneuvering in Constantinople.
Even though the 12the century was a great comeback for the Byzantines, they never could fully recover from Manzikert.
My rule of thumb is that anything written after 1950 is highly suspect.
Very wise.
For Islam-info seeker:
Excellent, thank you.
IMO the best writer on these matters for decades now has been Jimmy Reston. His research is unmatched.
Thanks again. D-man
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.