This volume was designed to assist sigillographers and non-specialists in their study of Byzantine lead seals, especially in the problems of dating. By developing and demonstrating typological and stylistic criteria that can be used in dating seals, this volume is an excellent resource in the use and study of seals as historical data. Oikonomides consolidates the achievements of the sigillographic tradition extending from Schlumberger onwards, and brings his own expertise in key areas of Byzantine history to bear on the problems. He establishes another reference-point in the pursuit of his own strategy for Byzantine sigillography, and provides a stimulus to others to start publishing.
   --Journal of Hellenic Studies