Readings in Medieval History

by Patrick J. Geary (Editor)

Patrick J. Geary's highly acclaimed collection of source materials on the Western medieval world is well-known for offering an excellent selection of substantial excerpts—or entire documents wherever possible—from the most widely studied historical texts. This much-anticipated fifth edition features a larger format, as well as enlarged type, to make the collection more reader-friendly. Study questions have been added at the end of each section to help students focus on key points in the text. New documents on the Black Death, William of Rubruck, and Marco Polo are included, as well as a new selection from St. Benedict's Rule for Monasteries and a new translation of Einhard's The Life of Charlemagne . Two color photo sections have been added, introducing students to fascinating medieval art such as a fifth-century ivory from Constantinople, the two earliest images of Joan of Arc, the Sachsenspiegel , and a shirt that belonged to Queen Bathild.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Medieval History, European History, Reference

721 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Patrick J. Geary is an American medieval historian and Professor of Western Medieval History at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey

Reviews

[James Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does not contain much unexpected or new sources, format not very handy

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of primary sources.

Yes it's true, this is a dry and dull book if you don't understand the context of the documents it contains, but if you do, then it's incredibly cool. Read this to understand medieval laws and oaths, among other important ideas which characterized the time.

I would advise against casual reading for those who dabble in history, but I would recommend this highly for any serious history student, one who is either enrolled in college or has access to someone that is highly knowledgeable about the medieval period.

[Dave Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good collection of primary source readings. There is nothing ground breaking in the readings, but they are a good starting point for anybody who is trying to get a better understanding of this fascinating period of history.

[Mark Heeyeaah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Primary documents on Medieval History. Great reference, but dry reading (unless you're a historian).

[wyclif · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly good beginning medieval history reader. Should be combined with Brian Tierney's work for best results.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good selection of Western writings from the Middle Ages, with attention to political and religious history.