Throughout the centuries, Sicily's location in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has caused it to play a part in a dizzying array of cultural, religious, and political events. Greeks, Romans, Turks, and Normans have all left their mark on the island. Norwich (Absolute Monarchs; Byzantium) adds another complete fact-based narrative to his already impressive oeuvre by returning to the subject of his earliest works. Norwich describes events using details that ultimately relate the lasting legacy of the past to contemporary Sicily, defending his observation that "Sicily is a sad island." Readers will appreciate the knowledgeable commentary on the ever-evolving relationships between church and state as well as the various empires and royal houses. The result is a multifaceted cultural identity that sets Sicily further apart from the rest of Italy than one would expect looking at an atlas. VERDICT This excellent, informative source on natural features, art and architecture, and regional lifestyles is not to be missed by armchair travelers, history lovers, and fans of Norwich's previous works.—Barbara Ferrara, Chesterfield Cty. P.L., VA