Product Description

The Early Middle Ages (400-1000) was one of the most dynamic and crucial periods in the formation of Europe. It covers the transition from the relatively diverse world of Roman Empire in late antiquity, to the disparate world of early medieval Europe, where local differences assumed far greater significance, but where, nonetheless, the institution of Latin Christianity lent coherence to the successor states. In this book, McKitterick and five other leading historians have collaborated closely to produce a set of thematic interpretations covering politics, society, economy, culture, religion, and Europe and the wider world. Military matters and warfare are treated within these chapters, reflecting their entrenchment in social, economic, and political stuctures. The definition of 'Europe' is ambiguous in this period, but for the most part, 'Europe' coincides with the ever-expanding horizons of Latin Christendom. However, this book also looks at crucial interactions with other areas, such as Scandinavia, eastern Europe, the Islamic Middle East and North Africa, and Byzantium. Providing a coherent view of the most important elements within the period, this book gives a sense of the complexities and excitements of six hundred years of transition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #128533 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 328 pages

Customer Reviews

An interesting, well-organised view of the period
Detailing the socio-political and economical situation of the title period, this book manages to provide a vivid depiction of late antiquity and, while primarily aimed at those who already have a certain knowledge of the field, it certainly can appeal to everyone who seeks greater understanding of such a dramatically important period in the history of the western world.

Not recommended if you're looking for a book about "Europe"
Unless "Europe" has come to mean "France and adjacent areas", this book fails to adhere to its subject. This is a big problem for a book in a series entitled "[Short Oxford] History of Europe". The blame for this parochialism must fall at the feet of its editor Rosamond McKitterick, along with the series editor for allowing it to take place. Almost all the material about Europe east of the Elbe is in the chapter laughably entitled "Europe and the Wider World", where the area from Hungary to Russia is apparently part of the "Wider World". The reader will gain knowledge of a wider area of Europe in this period by reading Barford's The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe or Franklin and Shepard's The Emergence of Rus, 750-1200 (Longman History of Russia).

In fairness, if your interest is "France and adjacent areas", then I would recommend this work for now. The six essays, all by expert historians of the period, constitute a decent introduction, probably most suitable for 1st and 2nd year undergraduates. Be warned though that the footnoting is sparse, a bit of a shame because the target audience would benefit from being able to follow up particular points as they see them. The Further Reading at the back makes up for this somewhat