Filled with unforgettable stories of emperors; generals; and religious patriarchs; as well as fascinating glimpses into the life of the ordinary citizen; Lost to the West reveals how much we owe to the Byzantine Empire that was the equal of any in its achievements; appetites; and enduring legacy. For more than a millennium; Byzantium reigned as the glittering seat of Christian civilization. When Europe fell into the Dark Ages; Byzantium held fast against Muslim expansion; keeping Christianity alive. Streams of wealth flowed into Constantinople; making possible unprecedented wonders of art and architecture. And the emperors who ruled Byzantium enacted a saga of political intrigue and conquest as astonishing as anything in recorded history. Lost to the West is replete with stories of assassination; mass mutilation and execution; sexual scheming; ruthless grasping for power; and clashing armies that soaked battlefields with the blood of slain warriors numbering in the tens of thousands.From the Hardcover edition.
#44818 in Books Curtis; Wayne 2007-06-05 2007-06-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .70 x 5.30l; .49 #File Name: 0307338622304 pagesThree Rivers Press CA
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I very much enjoyed the author's use of anecdote to convey history in ...By Nick ColaccinoAn extremely interesting read. I very much enjoyed the author's use of anecdote to convey history in a more entertaining way than just giving facts and figures. However; I will say that a lot of the anecdotes seemed to be based more on the authors imagination than actual history. Sentences about the historical figures' thoughts and feelings are almost undoubtedly Mr. Curtis's own interpretation and not backed in research. In several instances; the reader gets the sense that Mr. Curtis is conveniently using these kinds of historical liberties to skew perceptions and alter the gravity of the quantitative source material (whether to make the fact more or less significant).Overall; it is an entertaining and informative read. I high suggest this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Love the bookBy Anthony J CernigliaLove the book! The history of Rum and cocktails made for a very interesting read. Wayne has great way of telling the stories with a rum sense of humor. He's just a few bottles short of being pirate. The rum drinkers will understand it well. The only downside of reading this book is your going to want to try most of the drink recipes listed in the book.Cheers!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Lost my Goodwill copy; had to nab anotherBy A. PendletonDefinitely one of my favorite nonfiction books - fun read; entertaining writing style; great details. The drink recipes are a bonus XD
