A Short History of the Middle Ages, Third Edition

Maps
Plates
Genealogies
Figures
Lists
Abbreviations, Conventions, Websites

Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the Third Edition

1. Prelude: The Roman World Transformed (c.300-c.600)

Part I: Three Cultures from One

2. The Emergence of Sibling Cultures (c.600-c.750)
3. Creating New Identities (c.750-c.900)
4. Political Communities Reordered (c.900-c.1050)

Part II: The European Take-Off

5. The Expansion of Europe (c.1050-c.1150)
6. Institutionalizing Aspirations (c.1150-c.1250)
7. Discordant Harmonies (c.1250-c.1350)
8. Catastrophe and Creativity (c.1350-c.1500)

Epilogue
Glossary
Appendix: Lists
Sources
Index

Non-medievalist and habitual scorner of textbooks, I have used, enjoyed, and appreciated this book in earlier editions. It is clear, thoughtful, deeply expert, and refreshingly ecumenical. The maps and charts are good and useful, and the illustrations gorgeous, splendidly legible, well captioned, and put to thorough use. The real, rare treasure, though, is the lovely English, at once limpid and graciously respectful of student intelligence.

Thomas V. Cohen, York University

Lucidly written, clearly structured, stunningly comprehensive, and highly accessible, the new edition of Rosenwein's A Short History of the Middle Ages should be required reading in any course that surveys medieval culture. The book will provide much-needed historical background to students in many disciplines, including medieval literature, theology, and art. The inclusion of sensitively chosen visual material, an excellent selection of maps, and the newly added 'Seeing the Middle Ages' feature will appeal especially to students of art history, who will benefit immeasurably from using Rosenwein's book as a companion volume to any standard text on medieval art.

Elina Gertsman, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Elegantly written and beautifully produced, Rosenwein's A Short History of the Middle Ages is a treat for teachers and students alike. Clear and concise, the volume offers a fresh approach to the history of medieval Europe and blends exciting new analysis with careful fidelity to the sources. Luxurious images, deftly incorporated into the book's narrative, bring the period alive and provide opportunities for deeper discussion and reflection. Rosenwein is a masterful storyteller; her book will inspire and delight.

Fiona Griffiths, New York University

Barbara Rosenwein's new edition of her by now classic A Short History of the Middle Ages provides an already stellar work with even greater clarity and sharpness. The changes are subtle yet decisive: nuances that demonstrate once again Rosenwein's extraordinary gift for synthesizing up-to-the minute scholarship while writing clearly and engagingly for all readers, general and specialized. The art work is splendid and, together with the maps, remains one of the book's outstanding features.

Susanna Elm, University of California, Berkeley