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Medieval Europe

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About this listen

The millennium between the breakup of the western Roman Empire and the Reformation was a long and hugely transformative period - one not easily chronicled within a single volume. Yet distinguished historian Chris Wickham has taken up the challenge in this landmark book, and he succeeds in producing the most riveting account of medieval Europe in a generation.

Tracking the entire sweep of the Middle Ages across Europe, Wickham focuses on important changes century by century, including such pivotal crises and moments as the fall of the western Roman Empire, Charlemagne's reforms, the feudal revolution, the challenge of heresy, the destruction of the Byzantine Empire, the rebuilding of late medieval states, and the appalling devastation of the Black Death. He provides illuminating vignettes that underscore how shifting social, economic, and political circumstances affected individual lives and international events. Wickham offers both a new conception of Europe's medieval period and a provocative revision of exactly how and why the Middle Ages matter.

©2016 Chris Wickham (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Europe Medieval Middle Ages Imperialism Africa Inspiring Ottoman Empire Italy War United Kingdom Middle East Ancient History Crusade Renaissance World History
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This is by far the best account of the subject that I have come across and in my opinion should become THE standard text for A level and first-year undergraduate studies for a generation.
The book is clear, its material well organised, and - vital for an audiobook - well sign-posted so that the reader can follow their own chosen trail instead of reading from breginning to the end, which, in the event, was how I read it.
It is a real pleasure to find an author who treats treats this period with the combination of broad brush and attention to individual economic, cultural and political detail while flagging up points where the author is introducing his own take on something whether it be general or particular; and always clearly argued and expressed.
The fact that Audible has offered this most excellent book as a free read is to be congratulated as a generous innovation, the more so because others may not be willing to purchase it: I for one will be very proud to own it: thank-you Audible!

By far the best account of the subject.

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Really engaging and clear overview of medieval Europe, really helps put in context the arcs and struggles of the period.

Really good overview

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Subject matter is interesting and the author knows his topic but the writing is boilerplate. Narrator is good.

Dry but informative

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This book covers a large area over a long time. Coverage is superficial with the occasional error. Similarities and trends are forced.

Superficial

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This book serves as both an introduction to the history of medieval Europe and a discussion of the current state of play in medieval historiography (and more). It is mindful of the entire world-system ie Byzantium especially (and Islam) but remains focused and functional.

The narrator was also excellent.

Excellent

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