Author Description
Covering a thousand years of history, this volume tells the story of the creation of Western civilization in Europe and the Mediterranean. Now available in a compact, more convenient format, it offers the same text and many of the illustrations which first appeared in the widely acclaimed Oxford Illustrated History of Medieval Europe. Written by expert scholars and based on the latest research, the book explores a period of profound diversity and change, focusing on all aspects of medieval history from the empires and kingdoms of Charlemagne and the Byzantines to the new nations which fought the Hundred Years War. The Oxford History of the Medieval World also examines such intriguing cultural subjects as the chivalric code of knights, popular festivals, and the proliferation of new art forms, and the catastrophic social effect of the Black Death. Authoritative and eminently readable, this book will entertain as much as it will educate.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates the development of Western civilization across the European continent and the Mediterranean throughout the medieval period. Edited by George Holmes and featuring contributions from a team of expert scholars, the text synthesizes contemporary research to provide a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and cultural shifts that defined the era. It argues that the Middle Ages were characterized by profound diversity and transformation rather than static stagnation.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Political history ranging from the Carolingian and Byzantine empires to the Hundred Years War.
- Cultural analysis of the chivalric code, popular festivals, and artistic evolution.
- Examination of major demographic and social crises, specifically the Black Death.
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on Western Europe and the Mediterranean, excluding extensive coverage of Eastern or Northern regions outside these spheres.
- It provides a broad overview rather than an exhaustive deep dive into specific regional micro-histories.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and academics frequently cite this work as a reliable, high-level survey of medieval history suitable for both students and general readers. The prose is noted for its accessibility, effectively balancing scholarly rigor with a narrative style that remains engaging throughout the thousand-year timeline.
Page Count:
424
Publication Date:
1992-09-03
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192852728
ISBN-13:
9780192852724
History
European History
Academic
Western Civilization
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