Introduction To Medieval Europe 300 1500

Introduction to Medieval Europe 300–1500 provides a comprehensive survey of this complex and varied formative period of European history within a global context, covering themes as diverse as barbarian migrations, the impact of Christianisation, the formation of nations and states, the emergence of an expansionist commercial economy, the growth of cities, the Crusades, the effects of plague and the intellectual and cultural dynamism of the Middle Ages. The book explores the driving forces behind the formation of medieval society and the directions in which it developed and changed. In doing this, the authors cover a wide geographic expanse, including Western interactions with the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, North Africa and Asia. This fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect moves toward teaching the Middle Ages in a global context and contains a wealth of new features and topics that help to bring this fascinating era to life, including: West Europe’s catching up through intensive exchange with the Mediterranean Islamic world growth of autonomous cities and civic liberties emergence of an empirical and rational worldview climate change and intercontinental pandemics European exchange with Africa and Asia chapter introductions to support students’ understanding of the topics a fully updated glossary to give modern students the confidence and language to discuss medieval history Clear and stimulating, the fourth edition of Introduction to Medieval Europe is the ideal companion to studying the entirety of medieval history at undergraduate level.

Introduction to Medieval Europe 300-1500 is a comprehensive survey of this complex formative period of European history. It explores the driving forces behind the formation of medieval society and the directions in which it developed, and covers a wide geographic expanse including Western interactions with the Byzantine Empire and Islamic World.

"Introduction to Medieval Europe 300-1500 provides a comprehensive survey of this complex and varied formative period of European history within a global context, covering themes as diverse as barbarian migrations, the impact of Christianisation, the formation of nations and states, the emergence of an expansionist commercial economy, the growth of cities, the Crusades, the effects of plague and the intellectual and cultural life of the Middle Ages. Clear and stimulating, the fourth edition of Introduction to Medieval Europe is the ideal companion to studying the entirety of medieval history at undergraduate level"--

"First edition.""For this revision of his History of the middle ages, 300-1500 ... (W.W. Norton & company, inc., 1931) Professor Thompson put at my disposal a manuscript in which he made many alterations from the original text. I am deeply obligated to him not only for this opportunity presented, but also for the unlimited freedom he granted me to reorganize, rewrite and expand his manuscript."--Pref., signed: Edgar N. Johnson."References for further reading": pages 1053-1067.

This clear and comprehensive text covers the Middle Ages from the classical era to the late medieval period. Distinguished historian John Riddle provides a cogent analysis of the rulers, wars, and events—both natural and human—that defined the medieval era. Taking a broad geographical perspective, Riddle includes northern and eastern Europe, Byzantine civilization, and the Islamic states. Each, he convincingly shows, offered values and institutions—religious devotion, toleration and intolerance, laws, ways of thinking, and changing roles of women—that presaged modernity. In addition to traditional topics of pen, sword, and word, the author explores other driving forces such as science, religion, and technology in ways that previous textbooks have not. He also examines such often-overlooked issues as medieval gender roles and medicine and seminal events such as the crusades from the vantage point of both Muslims and eastern and western Christians. In addition to a thorough chronological narrative, the text offers humanizing features to engage students. Each chapter opens with a theme-setting vignette about the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people. The book also introduces students to key controversies and themes in historiography by featuring in each chapter a prominent medieval historian and how his or her ideas have shaped contemporary thinking about the Middle Ages. Richly illustrated with color plates, this lively, engaging book will immerse readers in the medieval world, an era that shaped the foundation for the modern world.

First published in 1931, this book covers the broad period of time between the Christian Roman Empire instituted in the fourth century and the period of the Renaissance. The author traces the main events of medieval history — striking a balance between political, institutional, social and cultural history — with no event of major importance escaping recognition. In addition to covering medieval Europe in detail, it also includes sections on the Byzantine Empire and the foundation of Islam. Many maps are also included to geographically illustrate key points. This book will be of interest to students of history.