This volume investigates the evolution and social function of marriage within Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Christopher N.L. Brooke, a distinguished historian of the medieval period, synthesizes evidence from theology, art, and literature to construct a comprehensive framework for understanding how marital unions were perceived and practiced between 1000 and 1500. The work argues that medieval marriage was a complex intersection of canon law, social necessity, and evolving religious doctrine.

Scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of medieval law and social practice. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which balances rigorous historical research with accessible cultural analysis.