Description: This lively, innovative history of medieval Europe provides a coherent description of the chaotic, but compelling, era. It focuses, but not narrowly, on the history of Europe from the fifth through the fifteenth centuries -- setting the subject in the broader context of world events. It explains complex issues (e.g., philosophy, scholasticism, etc.) clearly and illuminates large issues by showing how they manifested themselves intimately and directly in the lives of memorable individuals. Presents an integrated chronological treatment of topics, rather than separate essays on individual eras. Enables readers to make personal connections with what often seems a remote and exotic culture, and it reminds them that medieval Europeans were vital human beings who transcended the stereotypes which have often been developed to represent them. Provides balanced treatment of subject areas -- e.g., women's issues, Eurocentric historiography, and the Muslim-Christian relationship. Introduces each chapter with a short biographical essay dealing with a striking figure from the period. Features boxed essays dealing with topics from social history (e.g., food, housing, military technologies, etc.) and other areas (music, knowledge of geography, medicine, etc.). Contains twelve chronological tables (coordinating events and persons and illustrating relationships and influences), sixteen maps, and a glossary or terms and their origins. For anyone interested in medieval European history.

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