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For anyone with even a passing interest in medieval history this book is well worth reading --Military Modelcraft International
Product Description
The Varangian Guards were Viking mercenaries who operated far beyond their native shores as an elite force within the Byzantine Armies. Descendants from a legendary line of warriors, the Varangian Guard was formed after a group of Viking mercenaries made a major contribution to the Byzantine Emperor Basil II's victory over rebel forces in 988 AD. These 5,000 men were then retained as Basil's personal guard and would provide loyal service to many successive occupants of the imperial throne. Commonly referred to as 'foreigners' (Etaireia), they were nonetheless absorbed into a new Palatine regiment under command of an officer termed the Akolouthos, who was either a Norsemen or a Rus (Norsemen colonisers of Russia). The Varangians wore mixtures of their native clothing and armour together with a splendid formal Byzantine uniform. But most famously, they always wielded their own traditional battle-axes and in fact this became a sign that the emperor was on the battlefield in person. This is an insightful look of one of the legendary guard units of the medieval world.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Includes the following sections: A potted chronology and history of the guard; its ethnic composition; organization; the nature of the service provided by the guard and their rewards; equipment and weapons; clothing.
Dr D'Amato has certainly done his research, but one oddity I noted on a first reading is his translation of Miklagard as "City of Michael"; I had always understood the "Mikla" element as coming from "mikill", that is "great". [Edit: See Dr D'Amato's clarification on this point - click on the comments hyperlink below.]
On the colour plates (always the main reason I buy Ospreys), Giuseppe Rava is certainly no McBride (noted in the blurb as one of Rava's inspirations), but if these reconstructions are anything to go by, the Varangians would certainly have looked very resplendent as well as fierce.
This is a pretty good and certainly long overdue addition to the Osprey catalogue.
Dr D'Amato has certainly done his research, but one oddity I noted on a first reading is his translation of Miklagard as "City of Michael"; I had always understood the "Mikla" element as coming from "mikill", that is "great". [Edit: See Dr D'Amato's clarification on this point - click on the comments hyperlink below.]
On the colour plates (always the main reason I buy Ospreys), Giuseppe Rava is certainly no McBride (noted in the blurb as one of Rava's inspirations), but if these reconstructions are anything to go by, the Varangians would certainly have looked very resplendent as well as fierce.
This is a pretty good and certainly long overdue addition to the Osprey catalogue.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
6 reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Quite good
13 Sep 2010
Format:Paperback
This is one of Osprey's better offerings in its rather short series of Byzantine-themed volumes. I have had complaints with some previous volumes, and I have some here, but they are sparser and less critical. I am no art critic, but I really have to praise Guiseppe Rava. The plates are loaded in brilliant colour and detail. From another reviewer here, I understand that Rava received some criticism for his earlier work on Dawson's Byzantine Cavalryman C.900-1204, but he has certainly stepped up his game. The illustrations are utterly fantastic, and some of the best that I have yet seen in an Osprey book. However, there is one small quibble with some of the visuals. The reproduction of manuscripts in Osprey volumes have presented a continuing problem. Too often they are lousy black and white copies of documents that were illustrated in many colours, and as such it is very difficult to see the fine detail. At times they are so badly reproduced as to be utterly useless. None here fall into the useless category - although some of the fresco reproductions sure come close - but still, these representations are a form of source material, and were meant to be viewed in full colour.
The actual content of the book is quite good. D'Amato benefits from some modern scholarship that was not available to Blondal when he wrote his The Varangians of Byzantium, especially in regards to archaeological discoveries of equipment. The text is well-balanced in regard to D'Amato's choice of topics, and everything from participation in imperial ceremonial to actual battle is covered, albeit very briefly. The section on the rhompaia is especially welcome, as the descriptions by Psellos in his Fourteen Byzantine Rulers are not consistent with other sources, however, D'Amato provides a good solution to this small problem. I only have one real problem with the text, regarding the composition of the guard. D'Amato stresses the service of Angles and Danes in the guard in an earlier period than has typically been accepted. Since this is hardly a serious dissertation on the subject, I can't be too critical of his ideas, but I'm not convinced by what seems to be a stretching of Anna Komnena and overemphasis of other, minor sources to support his thesis of more Angles and Danes than previously supposed in the guard. He also makes a mistake regarding the payment of the Varangians, when he states that they were paid in aureii. In reality, the aureus had ceased to be minted in the early four century. "Nomisma" is the term he was looking for.
All considered, this is a fine addition to Osprey's line of Byzantine-themed books. My reservations have been noted above, but they are minor. This book is brilliantly illustrated, well-researched, and provides nicely balanced introduction to the topic.
The actual content of the book is quite good. D'Amato benefits from some modern scholarship that was not available to Blondal when he wrote his The Varangians of Byzantium, especially in regards to archaeological discoveries of equipment. The text is well-balanced in regard to D'Amato's choice of topics, and everything from participation in imperial ceremonial to actual battle is covered, albeit very briefly. The section on the rhompaia is especially welcome, as the descriptions by Psellos in his Fourteen Byzantine Rulers are not consistent with other sources, however, D'Amato provides a good solution to this small problem. I only have one real problem with the text, regarding the composition of the guard. D'Amato stresses the service of Angles and Danes in the guard in an earlier period than has typically been accepted. Since this is hardly a serious dissertation on the subject, I can't be too critical of his ideas, but I'm not convinced by what seems to be a stretching of Anna Komnena and overemphasis of other, minor sources to support his thesis of more Angles and Danes than previously supposed in the guard. He also makes a mistake regarding the payment of the Varangians, when he states that they were paid in aureii. In reality, the aureus had ceased to be minted in the early four century. "Nomisma" is the term he was looking for.
All considered, this is a fine addition to Osprey's line of Byzantine-themed books. My reservations have been noted above, but they are minor. This book is brilliantly illustrated, well-researched, and provides nicely balanced introduction to the topic.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
From the farthest lands they came with axes
15 Sep 2010
Format:Paperback
One of the most immediately recognized medieval military unit - the varangian guard! With so many peculiar characteristics and quircks that they would seem more likely in a fantasy novel. Great warriors of huge size and physical prowess, with limitless bravery and weapons frequently inlaid with silver runes; they travel to a far away land beyond mountains and rivers to serve a mighty and noble Emperor.
Obviously I'm letting out that they were plunderers, susceptible to alcohol, violent, and the service to the emperor (that frequently wasn't that mighty or noble) implied generous rewards.
This small title from Professor D'Amato is the perfect introduction to this remarkable unit that for many centuries was the Roman (Byzantine) Emperor guard. In palace and battlefieds they showed almost always a strong sense of loyalty (rare in the lands of Constantinople), bravery and steadfastness. It's almost unbelievable that there are so few books on the Varangian Guard; this book was really needed.
Their history and main events are summarized. The ethnic origins are also an interesting subject; there were several different provenances depending on the century and geo-political situations worldwide (for example, the conquest of England by the Normans, sent many English Saxons searching for a post in the Varangian Guard).
The organization, daily life, weapons and armour and motivations are also mentioned. D'Amato also gives us several anecdotes mentioned in sources that brings light to those northern warriors ways of thinking and moral (for example the woman that killed a Varangian after he tried to rape her, and the reaction of the other Varangian brothers in arms; the "assault" on the emperors quarter; curious diplomatic blunders, etc.).
The art of Giuseppe Rava is perfect! Absolutely stunning. All Colour plates are great.
A word for the photographic material of weapons, mosaics, carvings - Thank you Professor D'Amato, I've never seen most of those artifacts.
Highly recommended.
Obviously I'm letting out that they were plunderers, susceptible to alcohol, violent, and the service to the emperor (that frequently wasn't that mighty or noble) implied generous rewards.
This small title from Professor D'Amato is the perfect introduction to this remarkable unit that for many centuries was the Roman (Byzantine) Emperor guard. In palace and battlefieds they showed almost always a strong sense of loyalty (rare in the lands of Constantinople), bravery and steadfastness. It's almost unbelievable that there are so few books on the Varangian Guard; this book was really needed.
Their history and main events are summarized. The ethnic origins are also an interesting subject; there were several different provenances depending on the century and geo-political situations worldwide (for example, the conquest of England by the Normans, sent many English Saxons searching for a post in the Varangian Guard).
The organization, daily life, weapons and armour and motivations are also mentioned. D'Amato also gives us several anecdotes mentioned in sources that brings light to those northern warriors ways of thinking and moral (for example the woman that killed a Varangian after he tried to rape her, and the reaction of the other Varangian brothers in arms; the "assault" on the emperors quarter; curious diplomatic blunders, etc.).
The art of Giuseppe Rava is perfect! Absolutely stunning. All Colour plates are great.
A word for the photographic material of weapons, mosaics, carvings - Thank you Professor D'Amato, I've never seen most of those artifacts.
Highly recommended.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
What a comeback!
11 Aug 2010
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a visual kind of person, so let's focus on one of the most essential elements of Osprey books first--the plates/illustrations. Guiseppe Rava has been the subject of criticism in previous titles, like Byzantine Cavalryman for his paintings not having enough detail and/or color.
While I always thought Mr. Rava's work was superb, I could at least understand where these critics were coming from. But let them remain silent now! In this title, Mr. Rava has crafted a work of art as much as anything else. The details, the colors, and the kinetic energy within the plates all mesh together and create both a striking narrative and an informative view of these Imperial Mercenaries. Indeed, Osprey fans often draw comparisons between other illustrators and the late Angus McBride, and while I am always a fan of Mr. McBride, Rava has clearly carved out his own empire of art. All of his plates looked fantastic and offered a striking image of this very colorful period of European history.
As an aside, that is the one gripe I had with Angus McBride. Sometimes, the colors in the plates were dull and were not exciting. Mr. Rava has no such problem, and his plates both capture and inform the imagination.
I have bought one of Dr. Amato's imported books from Italy, and the man has clearly earned his doctorate. Although this may be conjecture, I understand Dr. Amato may have access to manuscripts and sources many experts in the Anglo-Sphere may not be too familiar with, so his writing for Osprey is both welcome and refreshing.
Overall, a great book for the war gamer, enthusiast, or historian eager to get a very colorful glimpse into the lives of these tough people.
While I always thought Mr. Rava's work was superb, I could at least understand where these critics were coming from. But let them remain silent now! In this title, Mr. Rava has crafted a work of art as much as anything else. The details, the colors, and the kinetic energy within the plates all mesh together and create both a striking narrative and an informative view of these Imperial Mercenaries. Indeed, Osprey fans often draw comparisons between other illustrators and the late Angus McBride, and while I am always a fan of Mr. McBride, Rava has clearly carved out his own empire of art. All of his plates looked fantastic and offered a striking image of this very colorful period of European history.
As an aside, that is the one gripe I had with Angus McBride. Sometimes, the colors in the plates were dull and were not exciting. Mr. Rava has no such problem, and his plates both capture and inform the imagination.
I have bought one of Dr. Amato's imported books from Italy, and the man has clearly earned his doctorate. Although this may be conjecture, I understand Dr. Amato may have access to manuscripts and sources many experts in the Anglo-Sphere may not be too familiar with, so his writing for Osprey is both welcome and refreshing.
Overall, a great book for the war gamer, enthusiast, or historian eager to get a very colorful glimpse into the lives of these tough people.
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