In this issue, we examine the role of diplomacy, patronage, and gift giving in the Byzantine sphere of influence and beyond.

Theme: The Byzantine Network

• Murray Dahm, "A Way with Words: The Impact of Byzantine Diplomacy," 20-23.
• Tim Miller, "When Translation was King: How the Gift of a Greek Manuscript Changed Medieval Spain," 24-27.
• Siren Çelik, "A Byzantine Emperor in Europe: The Travels of Manuel II Palaiologos," 28-33.
• Zachary Chitwood, "Pilgrims, Patrons, and Potentates: Journeys to and from Mount Athos," 34-37.
• Andrea Mattiello, "Isabella de Lusignan: A Byzantine Queen of Morea," 38-41.

• Antonios Vratimos, "The Battle of Manzikert: Seeing the Ottoman Perspective," 8-11.
• Robert Jones, "Heralds: Their Roles and Development," 12-13.
• Rowdy Geirsson, "Glory in Death: Sweden's Magnificent Pre-Viking Graves," 14-19.
• Manon Henzen, "Hypocras: A Delightfully Sweet and Spiced Wine" 42-43.
• Michael S. Curl, "Mounted Lance Combat: Principles and Techniques," 44-49.
• Kathryn Walton, "The Foulest One of All: The Legend of the Loathly Lady," 50-53.
• Gabrielle Storey, "Joanna of Sicily: Queen, Countess, Pawn?," 54-55.
• Julia Faiers, "Book review: Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages," 56.
• Ralph Moffat, "Book review: A Cultural History of the Medieval Sword," 57.