Huguccio: The Life, Works, and Thought of a Twelfth-Century Jurist (Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Canon Law)

Book Description

This historical atlas charts key aspects of the political, social and economic history of the Byzantine Empire, the dominant Mediterranean power in the fifth and sixth centuries. Surrounded by foes who posed a constant threat to its very existence, it survived because of its administration, army and the strength of its culture, of which Orthodox Christianity was a key element. This medieval empire bridged the Christian and Islamic worlds from the late Roman period through the late Middle Ages, but by the time of its demise at the hands of the Ottomans in 1453 the Byzantine empire was a shadow of its former self, restricted essentially to the city of Constantinople, modern Istanbul.

Customer Reviews:

A poor atlas of a rich theme. A wasted opportunity........2007-09-09

The sole reason not to regard this atlas a disappointment is comparison with Palgrave's historical atlases in general. Compared to the series they output, this one has some merits. Even that is in question though. Given this atlas's much higher price than that of the - also overpriced - rest, one might have felt justified expecting something classes better than the other mostly truly sloppy, pitiful, uninformative, not just unreliable but often positively misleading, superficial non-quality. (Though the WWII history atlas can be regarded as an exception, and to be fair, there may be more, as I have not seen as yet one or two of the series, only the bulk of it). It is not classes better, however, only a little better than those.

One would have been justified to expect for the audaciously inflated price an atlas at par with publications such as Hewsen's Historical Atlas of Armenia, the Brill historical atlases (that with all their shortcomings are at least presented to a high standard), or even Schwartzberg's Historical Atlas of South Asia. Not so. This atlas is a poor two colour output where the main improvement vis-à-vis other Palgrave atlases is the this time (at least in the main) decently drawn geographical base. This is not to say that cartography as a whole is of a good standard. The handling of annotation in particular is often poor.

The atlas also comes short of other, perhaps more substantial expectations that one can have from an academic work of the pretended kind that it is. Time and again the specific maps are not original creations merely adaptations of others published elsewhere. At times this is acknowledged, at times it is not. Map 5.3. e.g. is a mostly unchanged redrawing of map 40. of Toynbee's Historical Atlas (V. XI of A Study of History). There is no reference to this fact. At least some of the few changes that were made are for the worse, the result being utterly wrong. Such is the depiction of Sirmion Theme as it was done.

This touches on what is the main problem. There are shocking errors. At times the results of just seriously careless cartography, but that's no excuse. I am not at home with some highly specialised data such as whereabouts of mints at specific periods, details of trade or defence, so the mapping of these and comparable issues just might be correct, but I have my doubts. This is because perusing the content of maps where I am not without background information I identified regularly careless inaccuracies of almost incredible kind and quantity. This discredits the trust one can have towards the reliability of the entire atlas.

A few instances.

Map 2.3
1. The word `Slavs' on this map dealing with issues of C5-C6 is deposited in modern Slovakia i.e. totally outside the area where Slavs then lived, or at best at its border. The area where Slavs really did live was meanwhile left empty.
2. The key suggests Slav presence on the Western Balkans/Pannonia in 535-550. In reality Slavs entered this parts only after the appearance of the Avars in the Carpathian basin, i.e. 567.
3. It is wholly inappropriate how and where the word `Burgundians' is placed on the map. Any reader not at home with the releavant facts as they really were can not but be substantially misled by this. Those at home with the facts let their jaw drop.
4. The name of the "East Roman Empire" (at other parts of the atlas "Eastern Roman Empire") itself is also quite ill located, partly inside - partly outside the area concerned though there was plenty of room to place it to the middle of it that was left empty.

Map 2.6
1. The state name `Bornu-Kanem' is featured on the map of "Imperial neighbours" that deals with the subject in about 600. In reality the notion appeared only quite a few centuries later. Similar objection can be made to the presence of the name `Darfur' whilst the then existing important state of Ethiopia or Abyssinia, or Axum (as a state) is entirely absent.
2. At the location of modern Cairo "Babylon" features.

Map 2.7
It is absurd to locate the `Avars' east of the Carpathians in 600. By then the Avars already spent decades in the area where this map shows `Slav groups'

Map 6.4
Themes (units of administration) are located at the northwest of the Empire rather ludicrously. Their frontiers are wholly misplaced, their entire location is completely wrong. Theme Arentanoi was in reality roughly where Terbounia is shown, yet the map locates the former so far north that finds room to (ill) place another theme (Zachloumoi) in between them. One theme (in modern Bulgaria) that is separated by frontiers from others, is left unnamed. It's not that its name was left out. One of the frontier lines separating the area from a seemingly other theme (Makedonia) is superfluous. This, and more (vast areas of both the Holy Roman Empire and Hungary are assigned totally without any justification to a highly inflated sized Croatia; Bosnia is named incongruously) create a feeling that the map as a whole is unreliable, its data is not to be trusted. Indeed the depiction of eastern part of the Empire is no less distorted. Ani, for instance that was over 100 miles N-NE to Lake Van is shown NW to the lake, and much closer. Vaspurakan that was really around Lake Van at every direction except for the west, is placed entirely wrongly to the west of it without even touching the lake. This degree of sloppiness amounts to cynical contempt of the reader.

Map 2.8
1. It is wrong to replace the correct term `Khaganate' by `Khanate', be it Avar, Khazar, or Western Turk.
2. Toledo is completely ill located. It is in reality far without the map frame, so it should not feature at all.

Map 8.1
1. The word `Transylvania' dominates the area in the Carpathian basin between the Danube and the Carpathians (part of which is ill termed). This in 1025, when the concept as Transylvania as a political or administrative entity was as yet unknown for centuries to come. Even when it appeared it applied to an area far smaller than indicated in this atlas. The term `Kingdom of Hungary', which alone should feature for the area is delegated at its northern edge, in part without it.
2. Any concept of `Slovenia' is wholly out of place this date, yet it is depicted nearly 900 years earlier than the concept was coined.
3. No publication, but especially not a supposedly scholarly work should in any way use the the term `Russia' as this map does for what was to be named `Rus'.

Map 8.2.
There was no `Slovakia' at the time of Charlemagne. The very concept did not exist for over a millennium to come. Yet it was being placed firmly in the map. Such things amount to raving ignorance. In case it was that of the cartographer only, as one hopes, the question is what were the author and the editors doing when they were, as one expects, checking the result? In fact what made the cartographer to put concepts on the map that the author was not asking for? One fears that the author may not be wholly innocent.

This ought to be enough for illustration. There are numerous other, possibly worse offenders, among them is the showing of the states of Moldavia and Walachia in 1320 when none yet existed. (Walachia was born soon after, but its extent was even then far smaller than shown.) This on Map 11.2c where also other problems abound such as the uninformed ill-location of Slavonia that is placed where it is as from post C18 only, and the naming of `Dobrudhza' that is about as anachronistic as would be the naming of an airport J.F.K. in the 1920's. I `d better stop.

It is a great pity that such a deserving subject as the history of the Byzantine state was not dealt with when approached at long last in an atlas format properly. The result - as far at least as the maps, i.e. the essence of any atlas work go, is woefully inadequate.

An Excellent but Overpriced Book.......2005-12-25

John Haldon's "The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History" is the only historical atlas of the Byzantine Empire available in English. As such, this historical atlas is very good at making a clear and concise general picture of Byzantine history. The overall layout of the atlas is like that of a history textbook, divided thematically with sections on the economy, the church, administration, and the military. There are also three sections in the book, 4th-7th centuries, 7th-11th centuries and 11th-15th centuries. Haldon has provided numerous well-written articles on these topics and this book is an excellent compliment to any general history of the Byzantine Empire. The real strength of "The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History" is that it is based on solid research.

There are however some problems, the book only contains 187 pages and 84 maps, not 256 pages and 125 maps as originally listed. As well, the maps tend to be small and are only tri-colored, gray/blue/white. There also are no photos or plates. So, if you are looking for an exciting historical atlas with detailed and visually appealing images, this book may be disappointing.

"The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History" deserves five stars for content alone. If you can afford this expensive book and if you are fond of Byzantine history, it is a good book.

Historical Atlas of Empires (Historical Atlas)

Average customer rating:

informative, interesting quick review

Historical Atlas of Empires (Historical Atlas)
Karen Farrington
Manufacturer: Checkmark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 081604788X

Book Description

Throughout history, powerful nations have attempted to extend their spheres of influence by invading the lands surrounding them. While some efforts have been fruitless, others have resulted in the emergence of true empires. Almost every era and every region has had its significant empire, and each has hastened man's passage to modernity, leading the way in social, political, and economic developments. This exquisitely illustrated book features specially commissioned cartography and full-color photographs that locate each empire and place it in its historical context; contemporary letters, documents, speeches, and literature that bring to life each historical period; and a continuous timeline of dates and events. From the ancient Akkad Empire of Iraq to the modern superpower, the Atlas of Empires chronicles the rise and fall of history's most powerful civilizations.

Customer Reviews:

informative, interesting quick review.......2005-07-11

I enjoyed reading and looking at this very concise and easy to follow atlas. I actually wanted more detail but this was interesting.

Historical Atlas of Empires: From 4000 BC to the 21st Century (Historical Atlas)

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Historical Atlas of Empires: From 4000 BC to the 21st Century (Historical Atlas)
Karen Farrington
Manufacturer: Mercury Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Atlases | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 190466802X

Book Description

The concept of â€~empireâ€™ has existed since King Sargon of Akkad conquered Mesopotamia more than 4,000 years ago. Since his Akkadian dynasty many other empires have risen and fallen; Assyrian, Roman, Mongol, Aztec, Habsburg, British and Soviet -- all have held sway over far-flung territories and peoples, usually through force, and always seeking economic gain. The construction of an empire invariably meant suffering for the conquered peoples, but empires have also contributed to stability and wealth, and many have acted as catalysts for social, political and technological progress. But what drives one nation to expand and exert its influence to extend over others? With specially commissioned cartography, color illustrations and photographs, Historical Atlas of Empires explores and explains the ever-changing concept of empire from the ancient Middle East to the superpowers of the 20th century.

The Penguin Historical Atlas of the British Empire (Penguin Reference)

Average customer rating:

A Masterpiece of the Cartograher's Art and the Historian's and Geographer's Expertise

The Penguin Historical Atlas of the British Empire (Penguin Reference)
Nigel Dalziel
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0141018445

Book Description

An introduction to the rise and fall of the British Empire

A new addition to PenguinÂ's bestselling series of historical atlases, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the British Empire traces the emergence of the worldÂ's greatest empire, from its earliest beginnings in the British Isles through its ascendancy in Victorian times to its ultimate collapse in the mid-twentieth century. It examines the impact of British dominance throughout the world and the legacy it has bestowed.

--Richly illustrated with photographs, artwork re-creations, and over 150 full-color maps
--Contains a timeline and a table of imperial territories

Customer Reviews:

A Masterpiece of the Cartograher's Art and the Historian's and Geographer's Expertise.......2007-02-13

This review can be applied as well to all those in series.
The title is spot on. Anything you might need to satisfy a lingering curiousity about the Romans, the Celts,the Anglo Saxons andverious other people arrivng or departing from Britain while roaming the world' gets a highly concdensed intorduction to all subjects "animal, mineral, and vegetable" to quote Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan can be found herin, plus economic, sociologic, anthropologic, sociological can also be found herein. How the history of the British Isles, a thinly populated group on the edge of the workd and how the inhabitants More detailis on the era since teh Renaissance as that is the period of the beginnings og the Empire. And the the Dominions and the AUnstatrd are covered also.
The book is typicla of the publisher, well thought, desgned and clear. Each mahor topic is covered by at two pages arranged Each cnapter iconsizts of text and one or more cartographic gems commpiled at such a scale as to facilitate the reader;s xomphrehension of the narrative.
This part of a larger seres on similarly desgned books on several subjects, especially those that are best understtod in geospatial terms
As a professional cartographer and geograper I thoroughly appreciate the thought thought of which this is the result.
My only quibble is the size of the books in this series. It would be much more useful in the magazine size rather than the trade paperback size it is in. The recommended size is still holdable when seated in youe arm chair, and would not need a standor table as full aizwe atlases so.
. Unfortunelately most hiatorical books lack adequate maps or any at all. I once read one in whiich the mahor city that was at the centr of the the narrative was missing form the sorry sketch that was passed off as a map.
A great virtue is its usefllness as a companion to more dealeled works on hhhhhthe multitude of subjects

The Middle Ages: Barbarian Invasions, Empires Around the World & Medieval Europe (Warwick Historical Atlas Series)

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The Middle Ages: Barbarian Invasions, Empires Around the World & Medieval Europe (Warwick Historical Atlas Series)
John Briquebec
Manufacturer: Warwick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0531190919

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Atlas of the British Empire
C. A. Bayly
Manufacturer: Facts on File
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0816019959

The Ancient World: From the Earliest Civilizations to the Roman Empire (Historical Atlas)

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The Ancient World: From the Earliest Civilizations to the Roman Empire (Historical Atlas)
John Briquebec
Manufacturer: Warwick Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0531190730

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Atlas of British Overseas Expansion

Manufacturer: Routledge,an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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An atlas of empire
J. F Horrabin
Manufacturer: Gollancz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Atlas of the Mughal Empire
Irfan Habib
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Comprehensive yet concise, The Physics and Technology of Laser Resonators presents both the fundamentals and latest developments in laser resonator technology, including specific case studies. The book covers various types of resonators, including unstable, ring laser, and multifold laser. It also discusses numerical resonator calculations and laser beam analysis. This reference will be of value and interest both to newcomers to the field and to professional engineers wishing to update their knowledge.

Laser Resonators and the Beam Divergence Problem (Series on Optics and Optoelectronics)

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Laser Resonators and the Beam Divergence Problem (Series on Optics and Optoelectronics)
Yurii A. Anan'ev
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0750301465

Book Description

Professor Yurii A. Anan'ev has a long-standing international reputation for his publications on optical beams and resonators. Now many of his contributions will be readily available for the first time in a book. The generation of maximum power, minimum divergence beams from laser resonators is probably the most important topic in quantum electronics and optics today. The only book of its kind, Laser Resonators and the Beam Divergence Problem covers not only the theory, but also the applications of resonators to real systems as opposed to idealized models. Each rigorous examination of an optical configuration is accompanied by a detailed discussion of its associated applications and of the considerations for the user in practical work. The book contains a wealth of information on the developments in resonator technology, including much material previously unavailable outside the Soviet Union. It is an essential reference source to every researcher in laser science and technology.

Optical Resonators -- Science and Engineering

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Optical Resonators -- Science and Engineering

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0792349628

Book Description

The spatial beam structure that is formed in the laser cavity together with the active element constitute the most critical laser elements. The engineering devices, such as excitation systems, lasing gas circulation systems, etc., are usually at the top of the agenda of scientific meetings: the divergence problem has never previously been discussed by a broad community of experts.
The conversion of scientific and technological experience accumulated during the development of high power military laser, where efficiency was not necessarily the major driving force, into commercially viable industrial lasers will require attention to be focused on the general problems of beam divergence. The present book presents a dialogue between specialists in resonator cavity design from NATO and Cooperating Partner countries.
The book is divided into four parts: Theory, in which fundamental questions of resonator physics and optical design are addressed; Theoretical and Practical Problems; The Design of Optical Elements; and The Optimization of Designs.

Laser Physics and Applications: Laser Fundamentals (Landolt-Bornstein: Numerical Data and Functional Relationships in Science and Technology - New Series)

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Laser Physics and Applications: Laser Fundamentals (Landolt-Bornstein: Numerical Data and Functional Relationships in Science and Technology - New Series)

Manufacturer: Springer
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Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

The three volumes VIII/1A, B, C document the state of the art of "Laser Physics and Applications". Scientific trends and related technological aspects are considered by compiling results and conclusions from phenomenology, observation and experiments. Reliable data, physical fundamentals and detailed references are presented.

In the recent decades the laser source matured to an universal tool common to scientific research as well as to industrial use. Today the main technical goal is the generation of optical power towards shorter wavelengths, shorter pulses, higher efficiency and higher power for applications in science and industry. Tailoring the optical energy in wavelength, space and time is a requirement for the investigation of laser-induced processes, i.e. excitation, non-linear amplification, storage of optical energy, etc. According to the actual trends in laser research and development, Vol. VIII/1 is split into three parts: Vol. VIII/1A with its two subvolumes 1A1 and 1A2 covers laser fundamentals, Vol. VIII/1B deals with laser systems and Vol. VIII/1C gives an overview on laser applications.

Customer Reviews:

The Wealth of Forests.......2000-08-26

The book consists of a series of informative papers analyzing the current forest regulatory scheme in British Columbia. The authors include academics from the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria as well as lawyers and business people. Their discussion is very analytical and comprehensive.

This book is useful for anyone wanting to conduct an indepth study of forest regulation in British Columbia.

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