Product Description

On 30 March 1282, as the bells of Palermo were ringing for Vespers, the Sicilian townsfolk, crying ‘Death to the French’, slaughtered the garrison and administration of their Angevin King. Seen in historical perspective it was not an especially big massacre: the revolt of the long-subjugated Sicilians might seem just another resistance movement. But the events of 1282 came at a crucial moment. Steven Runciman takes the Vespers as the climax of a great narrative sweep covering the whole of the Mediterranean in the thirteenth century. His sustained narrative power is displayed here with concentrated brilliance in the rise and fall of this fascinating episode. This is also an excellent guide to the historical background to Dante’s Divine Comedy, forming almost a Who's Who of the political figures in it, and providing insight into their placement in Hell, Paradise or Purgatory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #272257 in Books
• Published on: 1992-07-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Review
'History in the grand manner, though always with a light touch.' The Observer

'Runciman wrote with wonderful eloquence, but he never overwrote. His narrative flows uncluttered by needless reference notes - there are some, but they nearly all refer to primary sources. His is the supreme example of a well-stocked mind not needing to show off all his wares, nor does he empede the central story by tedious allusion to secondary sources.' Daily Telegraph

Customer Reviews

History at a friendly form
Steven Runciman's Sicilian Vespers, is one of his most entertaining books. The descriptions, the characters, the text flow in general, is so natural and vivid, that makes it impossible to stop reading before the end of the book. Focusing on the ages between 12th and 14th century, the book gives us a sound image of the complex political and diplomatic intrigues of medieval Europe, historically accurate and in Runciman's unique style. It is highly recommended for all readers.

The title of the book is misleading
I don't really go for books like this but this was really the only book I thought I could easily find on the Scillian revolt against Charles on Anjou. What it actually turned out to be was a history of the Western Mediterranean, including great personalities of the era such as Manfred, Charles of Anjou, St Louis,Barbarossa, Frederick II Hoenstaufen and the tragic Conradin. I should have expected this considering Sicilly's inexorable links with its neighbours. Overall it was lengthy but readable. I have given it four stars but to be honest thats probably because I don't know who else covers the same ground in such depth. Recommended

The best book on the subject
A study of Sicily in the 12th and 13th century, when the island was at the center of Mediterranean (and European) politics. Very entertaining, the best book on the subject.