Overview

A vigorous tale, lacking the completely distinctive qualities of a hero that made Claudius so exceptional, Belisarius retains the same meticulously arranged background & skilful recapturing of a period--the Byzantine empire of the 6th century. Here are the lives of the Christian knight & his wife closely linked with those of Justinian & Theodora. Belisarius was a superb soldier & combined all types of warfare to his advantage. He fought the Vandals in Africa, the Goths in Italy, the Persians. Justinian is painted from a critical angle. Theodora, Belisarius & his wife, Antonina, are highlighted sympathetically. There is again the snob appeal of Graves' previous books, but this is more definitely gauged to men's interests, with tales of battle & strategy. Less colorful than Claudius, but a brilliant piece of scholarship.--Kirkus