This interesting study, full of analysis and insight, traces the fortunes of the Byzantine Empire in the fifteenth century. The famous siege of 1453 is covered, but the focus is much more on the mix of diplomacy and accomodation which characterised Christian and Muslim relations for much of the century, as well as the emperors various attempts to seek aid from the west. Harris also explores Byzantine responses to the fall of Constantinople, including those ready to reconcile themselves with the new regime, and the careers of those who fled to the west including Cardinal Bessarion, and the final descendent of the Palaeologoi, Andreas.