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rremer's review
3.0
A good overview of medieval Europe, it covers the politics of state and church as well as changes in power, culture, and sense of each time well. I particularly liked that a number of the biographical sketches covered important women in history. They so frequently get forgotten.
tome15's review
4.0
Bennett, Judith M. Medieval Europe: A Short History. 11th ed. McGraw Hill, 2011.
Medieval Europe: A Short History claims to be the most popular textbook on its subject. I have no reason to doubt that. It is clear, well-organized, and up to date in its historical methods. Judith Bennett is an expert in the women’s history of the period, and I understand there is now a twelfth edition that adds new archeological evidence and material on race and diversity. It has more cultural history and less war and politics than the histories I grew up with. It is very readable, and I read it so quickly, I am sure I could not pass a test; but it does have links to web materials that would help me get ready for one. It does a good job of pointing out the interplay between the Eastern and Western churches and the influence of Islamic culture. The Middle Ages weren’t all plagues, knights and crusades.
Medieval Europe: A Short History claims to be the most popular textbook on its subject. I have no reason to doubt that. It is clear, well-organized, and up to date in its historical methods. Judith Bennett is an expert in the women’s history of the period, and I understand there is now a twelfth edition that adds new archeological evidence and material on race and diversity. It has more cultural history and less war and politics than the histories I grew up with. It is very readable, and I read it so quickly, I am sure I could not pass a test; but it does have links to web materials that would help me get ready for one. It does a good job of pointing out the interplay between the Eastern and Western churches and the influence of Islamic culture. The Middle Ages weren’t all plagues, knights and crusades.
oliviawinchester's review
4.0
I am new to studying Medieval History and this book is brilliant for the beginner. It is laid out well and contains a good overview of the period. It is written well and is pretty easy to understand.
elzbethmrgn's review
4.0
An easy to read introduction to medieval European history. Certainly not extensive, but provides a clear and basic overview of medieval events, as well as those of late antiquity and early modern Europe to provide some context.
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