Synopses & Reviews
This is a scholarly and up-to-date narrative of the epic reign of the "Norman" King Roger II, the founder of the kingdom of Sicily during the first half of the twelfth century. It is a thoughtful analysis of the kingdom's mixed east-west culture and the development of its royal government; the most advanced in twelfth-century Europe. Although many recent studies have addressed important aspects of medieval southern Italy, this is the first work in nearly ninety years to be devoted specifically to Roger's life and reign.
Review
"...considerable descriptive powers of Houben...I hope this text is read widely...This translation is another great contribution by Graham Loud...He and Diane Milburn are to be commended." Louis I. Hamilton, Rutgers University, Canadian Journal of History
Review
"Thoroughly researched and worthwhile..." Catholic Library World
Review
"The book's unique historiographical position and high quality should recommend it to medieval generalists and specialists alike." History
Review
"Greene's valuable study is more than sufficient to demonstrate that looking at Mediterranean history primarily as a clash of two discrete and hostile civilizations is more helpful for the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries than it is for the twelfth." International History Review
Review
"This short review does not do justice to the depth and substance of Houben's examination of this fascinating man and kingdom, which is at once learned, argumentative and readable. No small achievement." Journal of Church and State
Synopsis
This book provides a clear, scholarly and up-to-date narrative of the epic reign of the âNormanâking Roger II, founder of the kingdom of Sicily, during the early twelfth century. It is the first work for nearly ninety years to be devoted specifically to Rogerâs life and reign.
Table of Contents
List of illustrations; Foreword to the German edition; Preface to the German edition; Preface to the English edition; List of abbreviations; Chronology; Maps; Genealogy tables; Introduction. Roger II: a controversial ruler; 1. The inheritance; 2. From count to king; 3. The new kingdom; 4. Between east and west; 5. Epilogue: the kingdom of Sicily after Roger II; 6. Conclusion. A multicultural ruler; Medieval authors; Bibliography; Index.