Byzantium: The Bridge from Antiquity to the Middle Ages

The author appears to write about those aspects of the subject that interest him, without intending to give a broad introduction to Byzantium. In fact, many topics, such as Charlemagne and Norman Sicily, which are not strictly Byzantine, are coverd at some length. The major focus of the Byzantine material itself is Iconoclasm. So while the book is very readable, and without footnotes, it is probably not the best first book on Byzantium for the general reader, but better suited to those who already have some background and want to learn more about the topics covered. Included are four maps, and a large section of black-and-white plates, most being photos of things religious.