Product Description

The Middle Ages begins with a section examining the development of the most important empires that defined the medieval world. Specialized topics that receive coverage include the barbarian movements, the empire of Justinian, Viking expansion, the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades, the German Empire, and the medieval Church. The second section considers in greater detail individual countries that remain to comprise Europe today, and it provides a deeper examination of their histories. Topics include France, Italy, the British Isles, Spain and Portugal, Switzerland, Germany and the Low Countries, Hungary, Greece and the Balkans, as well as Russia and Poland.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1381761 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

From School Library Journal
An outstanding introduction. Corbishley begins with an overview of medieval Europe, its history and culture, covering movements of the barbarians, the Crusades, and the empires of the era. He adds many interesting sidebars, such as those on the Bayeux Tapestry and stained-glass window making, which help to humanize the history and make it more accessible to readers. The second part of the book covers each region of Europe, giving a summary of its geography (including a map of the region), an overview of the history during the Middle Ages, and concluding with issues that arose during the period. For example, the chapter on Spain and Portugal covers the march of Islam across the Iberian Peninsula, then follows up with sections on map-making and on pilgrimages taken to northern Spain. Corbishley gives fair and equal coverage to all areas of medieval Europe, including Russia and Scandinavia, which some books omit. The maps are excellent, precise, clear, and easy to read and understand, and the illustrations, particularly those of works of art, are wonderful. While the organization may confound some researchers and the treatment of individual topics is hardly in-depth, this attractive volume provides an intriguing cross-cultural look at the medieval world. An excellent addition. --Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Mike Corbishley has been a teacher and an archaeologist. He has conducted excavations in England, mostly on Roman and medieval sites. He is now head of education at English Heritage. Corbishley has written a number of books for children on archaeology, the ancient and medieval worlds-in particular on the Romans.