This Is A Study Of The Byzantine Emperor Basil Ii, The 'bulgar-slayer'. Holmes Peels Away The Layers Of Later Interpretations To Reveal An Empire That Was Governed By A Potent Mixture Of Subtle Persuasion And Brute Force. Basil's Reign In Modern And Medieval Historical Literature -- Basil Ii And John Skylitzes : The Historian's Career And Working Methods -- Basil Ii And The Testimony Of John Skylitzes : Textual Analysis -- Basil Ii And The Testimony Of John Skylitzes : Contexts -- The Revolts Of Skleros And Phokas : Historiography And The Skleros Manifesto -- Administration And Imperial Authority On The Eastern Frontier -- Administration And Imperial Authority On Byzantium's Western Frontiers -- The Reign Of Basil Ii : A Reconstruction. Catherine Holmes. Description Based Upon Print Version Of Record. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [551]-587) And Index. English