Michael Baizerman Author

My new paper is "out in print" after undergoing thorough editing. This chapter examines the history of Chandax, the capital of the Emirate of Crete (820s-961), and its recapture by the Byzantine army led by General Nikephoros Phokas. The author seeks to align the evidence gathered from both Byzantine and Arab chronicles. Additionally, he includes details about the use of trebuchets, the establishment of military encampments, and the methods used to undermine the walls of citadels. https://www.academia.edu/126933976/The_Siege_of_Chandax_The_Byzantine_Recovery_of_Crete_960_961 I have re-edited the opening chapter of my second book, titled "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." The paper "What If the Earth Is a Sphere" examines medieval geography and includes numerous examples and illustrations. It demonstrates that medieval scholars viewed the Earth as a spherical body at the center of a rotating universe. I plan to upload an excerpt from this paper in th...

  I continue uploading chapters from my second book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East," on Academia. The latest contribution is John of Plano Carpini. https://www.academia.edu/92996408/John_of_Plano_Carpini_docx The paper follows the traces of one of the first European medieval travelers to the Far East. The Franciscan monk returned, having endured painful hardships, to tell a fascinating story about the Mongols' habits and mores. He also provided food for thought for the imminent threat of a military assault against Western Europe and advocated for European mutual security. Tags: John of Plano Carpini, Pope Innocent, Great Khan Guyuk. My work on the third project, "The Fright and Thrill of Navigation," is in full swing. I have recently finished updating the drafts of the two initial chapters, The Galley vs. the Round Ship and The Early Light Galleys.  The outline of Chapter 1 remained more or less the same, comprising six parts:  The Galley ( Landlubber,...

I have just started a discussion on my latest paper  https://www.academia.edu/82514995/The_Mysterious_Letter This chapter from my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East," continues the exploration of the popular character (Prester John) and his impact on multiple fans worldwide. I invite you to take part in the debates.  In the abstract, I wrote: " The mysterious letter penned by the elusive potentate, Prester John, became the talk of several European royal courts. The writer invited heads of state to visit his fascinating country abounding with marvels and wonders. The audience was divided between enchantment and skepticism, leaving nobody lukewarm".  Meanwhile, I devoted much time to developing my current topic: the evolution of war galleys in the medieval and renaissance Mediterranean. I think I have found a reference point, the Byzantine fleet, especially its ebb and flow between the sixth and the eleventh centuries.    The rise of the Italian fleets...

 I have just received the galley proof of my book, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East." Yes, I can call it now a book rather than a manuscript.  Checking the galleys is a long and tedious process, but it also has fascinating sides. First of all, my publishing team of Authorhouse UK has done a fantastic job improving the text. I appreciate hearing my voice slightly different and retaining all its significant points.  Secondly, I am using the editorial program of Grammarly, a mandatory lifeline thrown to writers, to raise my standards and to revise the work of the publishing gang. The bottom line: my text has become much more readable and eloquent.  While working with Grammarly, I like those moments when the program advises to rewrite the sentence, giving only general recommendations. I have to try various versions and, if I succeed, I feel so tired and happy as if I have run long distances!  My book will have references to illustrations instead of artwork. I...