Product Description

First published to wide critical acclaim in 1992, The Two Cities has become an essential text for students of Medieval history. For the second edition, chapters have been thoroughly revised to take into account the historiography of the past decade.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42208 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

Review
'For years, leaders of undergraduate courses on the central Middle Ages have longed for a book like this; a single volume which supplies useful outline reference material as an adjunct to a clear and wide ranging analysis of complex events, and one which presents a rounded view of the different aspects of the period, on association with a bountiful supply of relevant primary sources in translation ... a real tour de force.' - - Times Higher Education Supplement

'Malcolm Barber has succeeded admirably ... a fine book ... should find a wide and grateful readership.' -
- History

'A valuable introduction.'
- History Today

'A historical survey of unusual comprehensiveness. Warmly recommended to upper-division undergraduates and their instructors.' - Choice

From the Back Cover

First published to wide critical acclaim in 1992, The Two Cities has become an essential text for students of medieval history. For the second edition, the author has thoroughly revised each chapter, bringing the material up to date and taking the historiography of the past decade into account.

The Two Cities covers a colourful period from the schism between the eastern and western churches to the death of Dante. It encompasses key topics such as:

• the Crusades
• the expansionist force of the Normans
• major developments in the way kings, emperors and Popes exercised their powers
• a great flourishing of art and architecture
• the foundation of the very first universities.

Running through it all is the defining characteristic of the high Middle Ages: the delicate relationship between the spiritual and secular worlds, the two 'cities' of the title.

This survey provides all the facts and background information that students need, and is defined into straightforward thematic chapters. It makes extensive use of primary sources, and makes new trends in research accessible to students. Its fresh approach gives students the most rounded, lively and integrated view of the high Middle Ages available.

About the Author
Malcolm Barber is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Reading. His many books include The Templars, The Cathars and The New Knighthood, A History of the Order of the Temple.

Customer Reviews

Utterly Indispensible
Malcolm Barber has achieved what can only be described as a tour de force in the study of medieval European history. Getting a copy of this book should be a top priority of any student wishing to study this period. I can almost guarantee you will find a subject, although I would be surprised if you were to find only one, relevant to your course. If you don't I would suggest that it is probably due to poor course design rather than a failing in the breadth of Barber's material. The Two Cities contains key information on subjects ranging from the Crusades to the Italian City States as well as the Iberian Reconquista and the Investiture Controversy, along with many others. The sheer volume of information, and the scope of the subjects covered, make it a perfect foundation for the study of medieval Europe. However, do not let its recommendation as a base text lead you to believe that it only offers the briefest outline of the areas covered. While, obviously, books entirely dedicated to one topic may provide a greater wealth of information within a narrower field, the depth of information and the diligent research within each subject area of The Two Cities is astonishing. In all, this intelligently written, accessible volume provides detailed information on a wealth of subject areas and, as it is available for around £20, is well worth its price tag.
Personally I feel I owe Professor Barber a drink, due to the utterly indispensible information provided by his volume (especially with regards to revision) during my recent medieval Europe module, taken as part of my English Literature/History degree.

A Uni must have
My daughter is in her 2nd yr at Uni studying History, this book is one of many she needed access to, so at this price and condition was a bargain. Thanks.