Origins of the Old Rus': Weights and Monetary Systems (Harvard Series in Ukranian Studies)

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource, but not a good read
Review: This book is largely devoted to an analysis of Old Rus' coins from the 9th to the 11th centuries. The first three chapters deal with the monetary systems of Western Europe, the Khazars, and the Volga Bulgars. The next two chapters deal with the Rus monetary systems of Kiev and Novgorod, with an appendix on Varangian runes found on Muslim coins. Then there are chapters on the iconography and epigraphy of Old Rus' coins, and classification of Old Rus' coins. Finally, there are illustrative tables, with enhanced pictures of Old Rus' coins, identifying each coin.

This book is extremely informative on its subject, and is comprehensive in its reach. Unfortunately, it is written in a very turgid, academic style. So, it makes an outstanding resource, but not a good read.