Tales of Byzantium
A young empress defies her powerful father for love and her rightful place on the throne – the story of Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Helena Lecapena.
A charismatic commander takes the gamble of a lifetime to save the lives of thousands of innocents – Manuel Comnenus, the father of emperors.
An exiled princess finds a new sense of purpose and creates a legacy that will stand through the ages – Anna Comnena, princess and historian.
These stories provide a glimpse of the dynamic and proud Byzantines who lived during the height of the empires splendor.



For Immediate Release
Literary Classics
pr@clcawards.org
Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the book, Tales of Byzantium: A Selection of Short Stories, by Eileen Stephenson, has been selected to receive the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.
Tales of Byzantium: A Selection of Short Stories, by Eileen Stephenson, offers three short stories of war, love and conflict in the Byzantine era. Book one tells of a young girl whose rightful position on the throne is usurped by her father who desires the throne for one of his sons. Helena had been betrothed as an infant to her scholarly husband. It was a marriage in name only until Helena decides she will no longer be overlooked.
Book two concerns a commander of military forces who is sent to save a town about to be under siege. The men under his command are nowhere near sufficient to handle the enemy’s onslaught. Comnenus devises a very creative plan to outsmart the enemy, which allows him and his men to abandon the city (which is now without food and supplies) and travel home safely.
In the third book, Anna Comnena is consigned to a convent (royal speak for imprisoned at a convent). To occupy her mind she documents the history of her beloved father. Her tales remain critical to historians, providing valuable information on Byzantium to this day.
All three stories are told in a pleasant, matter-of-fact manner – likened to how a parent might explain complex history to their child. Horror, death, betrayal and deceit are explained factually. This book offers a unique perspective on a fascinating era. This is the way history lessons should be taught. The stories are based on fact, yet are marvelously complex and enjoyable. Eileen Stephenson regales readers with delightful story telling. Anyone with an interest in ancient history will ravenously devour these tales. With only three short stories, this collection leaves the reader wanting for more.
Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature for young readers, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations. To learn more about Literary Classics, you may visit www.clcawards.org or www.childrensliteraryclassics.com.
Literary Classics review: https://clcreviews.blogspot.com/2016/07/tales-of-byzantium-selection-of-short.html