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Medieval Panorama
Book by Robert (editor) Bartlett
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
14 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Robert Bartlett
69 books60 followersRobert Bartlett, CBE, FBA, FRSE is Bishop Wardlaw Professor of Mediaeval History Emeritus at the University of St Andrews.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 23, 2014
Beautifully illustrated book covering the whole range of medieval life and medieval society.
All major important elements of the Medieval World are treated with great efficacy and are supported by a nice, and always relevant, choice of sources and images.
This book really conveys the fascinating, sometimes brutal, beauty and complexity of this World: the grandeur, richness and symbolic power of the Cathedral, the otherwordliness of the sculptures adorning the entrances to these architectural representation of the Infinite, the heroic imagery associated with the Chivalry ideal, the power displayed by the Lord's castles, the beautifully harmonious intellectual world vision represented by the genius of Dante Alighieri, the ever-recurrent imagery of Death in all its forms representing the painfully precarious nature of human life in this period, the bizarre and almost Freudian grotesque images created in the capitals of churches and cloisters, the timelessness and spiritual uplifting of monastic architecture.
A nice book if you want to fall in love again with this fundamental period in European history, so critical in the development of the soul of the great Western Civilization.
All major important elements of the Medieval World are treated with great efficacy and are supported by a nice, and always relevant, choice of sources and images.
This book really conveys the fascinating, sometimes brutal, beauty and complexity of this World: the grandeur, richness and symbolic power of the Cathedral, the otherwordliness of the sculptures adorning the entrances to these architectural representation of the Infinite, the heroic imagery associated with the Chivalry ideal, the power displayed by the Lord's castles, the beautifully harmonious intellectual world vision represented by the genius of Dante Alighieri, the ever-recurrent imagery of Death in all its forms representing the painfully precarious nature of human life in this period, the bizarre and almost Freudian grotesque images created in the capitals of churches and cloisters, the timelessness and spiritual uplifting of monastic architecture.
A nice book if you want to fall in love again with this fundamental period in European history, so critical in the development of the soul of the great Western Civilization.
July 3, 2025
I loved this book! As someone who listens to a lot of medieval history, it was refreshing to experience something more visual. Seeing the art and sculpture added a new dimension that helped me connect more deeply with the people of the period. I also appreciated how thoughtfully the topics were organized, and the supplemental text was great for a generalized overview.
February 23, 2022
At the time I first wrote this review. I have to admit I hadn't read any of the text of this book. I'd only thumbed through the images a few times.
But it was bought as a gift for my wife, and both she and I already find ourselves blown away by the compendious richness of the visual component, which is exactly what we/Teresa were after.
The range of materials illustrated is extensive, from everyday objects, to art, interiors, architecture, illuminated books, armour, etc, etc. The picture quality is high, and there are hundreds upon hundreds (around a 1000, I think) of images, most of which are in colour.
In short, a stunning treasure-trove of medieval visual culture. Excellently presented, and good value for money. If the written component is anywhere near as rich, it'll be a complete feast. Even though Ive hardly looked at it so far, it's already brought me (& Teresa!) a disproportionate amount of pleasure.
I spent an enraptured 10 minutes just contemplating a beautiful double-page spread of circular stained-glass windows depicting the months. Brilliant!
But it was bought as a gift for my wife, and both she and I already find ourselves blown away by the compendious richness of the visual component, which is exactly what we/Teresa were after.
The range of materials illustrated is extensive, from everyday objects, to art, interiors, architecture, illuminated books, armour, etc, etc. The picture quality is high, and there are hundreds upon hundreds (around a 1000, I think) of images, most of which are in colour.
In short, a stunning treasure-trove of medieval visual culture. Excellently presented, and good value for money. If the written component is anywhere near as rich, it'll be a complete feast. Even though Ive hardly looked at it so far, it's already brought me (& Teresa!) a disproportionate amount of pleasure.
I spent an enraptured 10 minutes just contemplating a beautiful double-page spread of circular stained-glass windows depicting the months. Brilliant!
August 27, 2008
Mediocre introduction to Medieval Europe. The organization and index are not too helpful.
October 7, 2020
I love the editors use of photographs (buildings, objects, manuscripts, artwork et al) to illustrate some of the major themes of the medieval period. The book is predominantly photographs, with text to offer context and "set the scene". The architectural photos in particular are exceptional.
I would also give the book pretty high marks for not relying overly much on war and religion. It's easy to find books full of those images (and both were obviously very significant to the period), but I believe the editor made a concerted effort to show as well-rounded of a view of the period as available art would allow.
The only major complaint I have is that quite a few photos were arranged such that they cross the hinge, making it very difficult to see them.
I would also give the book pretty high marks for not relying overly much on war and religion. It's easy to find books full of those images (and both were obviously very significant to the period), but I believe the editor made a concerted effort to show as well-rounded of a view of the period as available art would allow.
The only major complaint I have is that quite a few photos were arranged such that they cross the hinge, making it very difficult to see them.
September 21, 2017
Absolutely magnificent - presentation, facts & data and the opening up of the medieval world and mindset; are all near perfect. Genius!
June 5, 2018
Brilliant illustrations of contemporary art are the centerpiece of this study of medieval life.
September 23, 2019
Wonderfully informative, great selection of art work.
November 14, 2019
Beautiful book, stunning images. Highly enjoyable
April 8, 2022
I enjoyed this to read and shall keep it for reference and to go back through the illustrations and art work.
April 6, 2024
Reminding of a few illustrated compendiums edited by Umberto Eco, a great and informative history well into a major epoch.
September 10, 2025
Changed my entire outlook on the Middle Ages/early renaissance. Fascinating and easily digestible, can’t wait to dive deeper into this era!
January 7, 2021
Review to come shortly.
January 31, 2012
Maybe more like 3.5. This has a nice history of the historiography and popular perception of the Middle Ages. There are also many well-selected illustrations, including some that show clothing from behind, and underwear. (This is a medieval recreation interest of mine ... not a fetish thing. Get your mind out of the gutter. :) There are also technical drawings, pictures of craftsmen at work, pictures of farm and domestic life, assorted medieval artifacts, and many other nifty things.
However, it doesn't really provide a coherent narrative of the period, if you are looking for that. It is sufficient to give you a decent idea of what life was like in this time, though it will require a fair amount of your time to do so.
However, it doesn't really provide a coherent narrative of the period, if you are looking for that. It is sufficient to give you a decent idea of what life was like in this time, though it will require a fair amount of your time to do so.
June 5, 2019
This is a book for looking at, not for reading - although the short introductions to each section give a useful and basic overview. But it's the illustrations which make this book worth possessing (even if he doesn't give enough space to northern and eastern Europe, in my opinion). The "Biographical Dictionary" at the end is useful for reference. A welcome antidote to a surfeit of novels and a scary contemporary world situation. And presumably, the people living in the medieval world also found it scary.
March 8, 2009
It's true. I read coffee-table books for bedtime readng. This one is so beautiful it is kind of iresistible for someone fascinated with the middle ages.
June 16, 2009
Pretty book with lots of beautiful images from the medieval time period.
February 24, 2011
This is a good book for any interested parties who need a general introduction to the medieval period. It also features artwork from the period to further illustrate his points.
January 28, 2013
I am a visual person so I enjoyed this stunning book very much.
February 7, 2017
3 stars for the history (there were many mistakes and assumptions that were glaring and just wrong).
5 stars for the illustrations. Just read it for the pictures.
5 stars for the illustrations. Just read it for the pictures.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews