TomWaitsTables: Another book by Michael Ennis. He takes us into the political intrigues of the Byzantine court in much the same way he did for Milan. It's filled with intrigues, sex, and decline. The characters, as always, are well developed, and the period is meticulously researched. Somehow he's able to weave an enrapturing story around obscure historical events without resorting to the usual Hollywood tactic of . . . well, you know how many historians get ulcers from going to the movies? That's right, none. Because all of them had already died out after watching "Gladiator."… (altro)