A Short History of the Middle Ages, Volume II: From c.900 to c.1500, Fifth Edition

by Barbara H. Rosenwein

Overview

In this newest edition of her bestselling book, Barbara H. Rosenwein integrates the history of European, Byzantine, and Islamic medieval cultures—as well as their Eurasian connections—in a dynamic narrative. This volume spans the period c.900 to c.1500. The text has been significantly updated to reflect growing interest in the Islamic world and Mediterranean region. Stunning plates featuring art and architecture weave together events, mentalities, and aesthetics. Medievalist Riccardo Cristiani authors a new feature on material culture that examines the intricacies of manuscript production and the lustrous glazes of Islamic ceramics. A fully revised map program offers user-friendly spot maps that clarify events right where they are discussed as well as dazzling topographical maps that reveal the very contours of the medieval world. Helpful genealogies, figures, architectural plans, and lists of key dates complement the text. All maps, genealogies, and figures are available on the History Matters website (www.utphistorymatters.com) for easy download. Students will find this site equally useful for its hundreds of study questions and their click-to-reveal answers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442636293
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	05/03/2018
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Barbara H. Rosenwein is a professor emerita in history at Loyola University Chicago.

Table of Contents

List of Maps
List of Plates
List of Genealogies
List of Figures
Abbreviations, Date Conventions, Website
Acknowledgments

4. Political Communities Reordered (c.900—c.1050)
5. New Configurations (c.1050—c.1150)
6. Institutionalizing Aspirations (c.1150—c.1250)
7. Tensions and Reconciliations (c.1250—c.1350)
8. Catastrophe and Creativity (c.1350—c.1500)

Sources
Index

What People are Saying About This

Roisin Cossar

"Medieval Studies is at a crossroads. In North America and Europe, the 'alt-right' fantasy of a white, Christian Middle Ages in perpetual war against an Islamic enemy has become increasingly influential, especially in mainstream politics, where the modern 'West' is sometimes portrayed as the rightful heir of the medieval Christian past. Scholarly attempts to resist this destructive and simplistic vision must extend into the classroom. This new edition will be an invaluable tool for those seeking to shine a light on the complexities and nuances of the medieval period for a new generation of students."

Maureen C. Miller

"This latest edition of A Short History of the Middle Ages offers new, beautifully illustrated sections on material culture that unpack the creative processes and cultural practices behind medieval artifacts, allowing making and meaning to come together to open up new aspects of this distant past. Rosenwein's narrative is lively and concise, weaving connections between Europe, Byzantium, and the Islamic world while engaging the senses as well as the intellect. This is the ideal textbook for today's visually savvy students."