This introduction to the Byzantine civilisation provides a guide for those who know nothing or little about the history of Byzantium. Spanning a vast period from the Emperor Constantine in AD 306 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the book is structured around a chronological political history although social, economic and cultural issues are addressed throughout. More detailed studies of particular people, events or issues are dealt with in 53 `boxes'. The main alterations in the second edition involve giving greater space to social and economic themes, including more localised case studies and more on archaeological evidence. An excellent well-written study which will be useful and interesting to students and those who like to read about medieval history.