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The Middle Ages
Middle Ages (96) by Bishop, Morris [Paperback (2001)]
Paperback
Published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 8, 2025
This book was just what I hoped it would be. Morris shines a light on that confusing, ambiguous period known as the Middle Ages, which he defines as the time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Dispelling the myth that this period was the Dark Ages, Morris shows how seeds of the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Modernity were sowed in these years.
Probably my favorite part of the book was the relatability I saw in our past ancestors. It’s easy to think we are so smart now, and we know so much more than did those in the Middle Ages. But Morris shows (and I felt deeply) how much a prisoner of our times all of us are.
“If we should change places with them we, with all our learning, would soon succumb under the weight of our ignorance.”
Another challenging aspect to wrestle with in our times vs that of the Middle Ages is the centrality of the Church. Not ignoring the excesses and corruption, but considering Beauty (think cathedrals and art) and the way the church permeated every aspect of life. I was recently in a city with a beautiful 17th century cathedral made of pink limestone located directly in the center of town. This really challenged me to think where we put our churches now and what they look like — are we doing it right?
After reading this book, I am by no means an expert of the Middle Ages, but I do feel much better informed, and I have an appetite for more!
Probably my favorite part of the book was the relatability I saw in our past ancestors. It’s easy to think we are so smart now, and we know so much more than did those in the Middle Ages. But Morris shows (and I felt deeply) how much a prisoner of our times all of us are.
“If we should change places with them we, with all our learning, would soon succumb under the weight of our ignorance.”
Another challenging aspect to wrestle with in our times vs that of the Middle Ages is the centrality of the Church. Not ignoring the excesses and corruption, but considering Beauty (think cathedrals and art) and the way the church permeated every aspect of life. I was recently in a city with a beautiful 17th century cathedral made of pink limestone located directly in the center of town. This really challenged me to think where we put our churches now and what they look like — are we doing it right?
After reading this book, I am by no means an expert of the Middle Ages, but I do feel much better informed, and I have an appetite for more!
February 23, 2025
Reread this like a year ago my highschool AP euro teacher picked a gud author
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews