The Sicilian Vespers: A History of the Mediterranean World in the Later Thirteenth Century

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.

'Canto Classics has recently reprinted Steven Runciman's The Sicilian Vespers, which expertly guides us through the murky world of 13th century European high politics, its twists and turns, sudden shifts in fortune, alliance, tactics and strategy; and compellingly depicts the brigand-dynasts of the West vying for each other's thrones and fiefdoms, conspiring, plotting and murdering their way in vain pursuit of power and wealth.' John Akritas, Hellenic Antidote 'The Sicilian Vespers is fascinating just considered as a Sicilian story. ... Runciman's narrative and analysis comes embedded within the beautiful style of writing for which he is famous ... a pleasure to read.' Stephen Keim, Hearsay: The Journal of the Bas Association of Queensland