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The Black Death

A Global History of Humanity's Most Devastating Pandemic

by Thomas Asbridge ...

“A magisterial history” (The Guardian) of humanity’s greatest natural disaster—the Black Death—that reveals the true global impact and terrible human cost of this calamity, from the renowned author of The Crusades and The Greatest Knight.“Terrific—and truly terrifying. Thomas Asbridge puts a human face—or rather multiple faces—on the Black Death.”—Eric Cline, author of 1177 B.C.In the mid ... Read more

Was $14.99 USD Now $2.99 USD

“A magisterial history” (The Guardian) of humanity’s greatest natural disaster—the Black Death—that reveals the true global impact and terrible human cost of this calamity, from the renowned author of The Crusades and The Greatest Knight.“Terrific—and truly terrifying. Thomas Asbridge puts a human face—or rather multiple faces—on the Black Death.”—Eric Cline, author of 1177 B.C.In the mid
... Read more
A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages

The World Through Medieval Eyes

by Anthony Bale ...

**“[An] immensely entertaining history.” —The New YorkerA captivating journey of the expansive world of medieval travel, from London to Constantinople to the court of China and beyond.**Europeans of the Middle Ages were the first to use travel guides to orient their wanderings, as they moved through a world punctuated with miraculous wonders and beguiling encounters. In this vivid and alluring ... Read more

Was $13.69 USD Now $2.99 USD

**“[An] immensely entertaining history.” —The New YorkerA captivating journey of the expansive world of medieval travel, from London to Constantinople to the court of China and beyond.**Europeans of the Middle Ages were the first to use travel guides to orient their wanderings, as they moved through a world punctuated with miraculous wonders and beguiling encounters. In this vivid and alluring
... Read more
A Medieval Family

The Pastons of Fifteenth-Century England

by Frances Gies, Joseph Gies ...

Series series Medieval Life
The fascinating story of the fortunes of one medieval family over the course of a century, from bestselling historians Frances and Joseph Gies.The Pastons were members of the English gentry—a tiny group of roughly 1,000 households sandwiched between the ruling nobility and the peasants, and a rough analog for the contemporary “middle class.” Their existence was fairly typical, but for the fact ... Read more

Was $7.99 USD Now $1.99 USD

The fascinating story of the fortunes of one medieval family over the course of a century, from bestselling historians Frances and Joseph Gies.The Pastons were members of the English gentry—a tiny group of roughly 1,000 households sandwiched between the ruling nobility and the peasants, and a rough analog for the contemporary “middle class.” Their existence was fairly typical, but for the fact
... Read more
The Great Mortality

An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time

by John Kelly ...

“Powerful, rich with details, moving, humane, and full of important lessons for an age when weapons of mass destruction are loose among us.” — Richard Rhodes, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Making of the Atomic BombThe Great Plague is one of the most compelling events in human history—even more so now, when the notion of plague has never loomed larger as a contemporary public concern.The ... Read more

$15.49 USD

“Powerful, rich with details, moving, humane, and full of important lessons for an age when weapons of mass destruction are loose among us.” — Richard Rhodes, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Making of the Atomic BombThe Great Plague is one of the most compelling events in human history—even more so now, when the notion of plague has never loomed larger as a contemporary public concern.The
... Read more
Twilight Cities

Lost Capitals of the Mediterranean

by Katherine Pangonis ...

WINNER OF THE 2024 SOMERSET MAUGHAM AWARDIts name means 'centre of the world', and since the dawn of history the Mediterranean Sea has formed the shared horizon of innumerable cultures. Here, history has blurred with legend. The glittering surface of the sea conceals the remnants of lost civilisations, wrecked treasure ships and the bones of long-drowned sailors, traders and modern refugees.Of the ... Read more

$3.99 USD

WINNER OF THE 2024 SOMERSET MAUGHAM AWARDIts name means 'centre of the world', and since the dawn of history the Mediterranean Sea has formed the shared horizon of innumerable cultures. Here, history has blurred with legend. The glittering surface of the sea conceals the remnants of lost civilisations, wrecked treasure ships and the bones of long-drowned sailors, traders and modern refugees.Of the
... Read more
Weird Medieval Guys

How to Live, Laugh, Love (and Die) in Dark Times

by Olivia Swarthout ...

'FASCINATING' Guardian | 'WE LOVE THIS BOOK' Blackwells | *'*THE BEST GIFT BOOK THERE IS' IndependentA GUIDE TO LIVING IN DARK TIMES, FROM PEOPLE WHO REALLY DIDBursting with wisdom and artwork from the Middle Ages, this handy guide will give you time-tested solutions for all of life's biggest problems. Whether it's choosing an appropriate dog name like Garlik or Filthe, becoming a... ... Read more

$18.79 USD

'FASCINATING' Guardian | 'WE LOVE THIS BOOK' Blackwells | *'*THE BEST GIFT BOOK THERE IS' IndependentA GUIDE TO LIVING IN DARK TIMES, FROM PEOPLE WHO REALLY DIDBursting with wisdom and artwork from the Middle Ages, this handy guide will give you time-tested solutions for all of life's biggest problems. Whether it's choosing an appropriate dog name like Garlik or Filthe, becoming a...
... Read more
Crusading and the Crusader States

by Andrew Jotischky ...

Series series Recovering the Past
Crusading and the Crusader States explores how the idea of holy war emerged from the troubled society of the eleventh century, and why Jerusalem and the Holy Land were so important to Europeans. It follows the progress of the major crusading expeditions, offering insights into initial success and subsequent failure, charts the development of new attitudes towards Islam and its followers, and shows ... Read more

$78.99 USD

Crusading and the Crusader States explores how the idea of holy war emerged from the troubled society of the eleventh century, and why Jerusalem and the Holy Land were so important to Europeans. It follows the progress of the major crusading expeditions, offering insights into initial success and subsequent failure, charts the development of new attitudes towards Islam and its followers, and shows
... Read more
House of Lilies

The Dynasty That Made Medieval France

by Justine Firnhaber-Baker ...

The definitive history of the Capetians, the crusading dynasty that made the French crown the wealthiest and most powerful in medieval Europe and forged France as we know it today.“A joy to read from start to finish. This is not only the best history of the Capetian dynasty now available in English, it is also one of the most entertaining popular history books published in recent years.” —Dan ... Read more

$15.99 USD

The definitive history of the Capetians, the crusading dynasty that made the French crown the wealthiest and most powerful in medieval Europe and forged France as we know it today.“A joy to read from start to finish. This is not only the best history of the Capetian dynasty now available in English, it is also one of the most entertaining popular history books published in recent years.” —Dan
... Read more
Eleanor of Aquitaine

A Life

by Alison Weir ...

An “evocative” (Newsday) biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of England and France, who transcended the mores of society—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Last White Rose“An alluringly candid portrait of this most public yet elusive of medieval women.”—The Boston Globe“[Alison Weir] has perfected the art of bringing history to life.”—Chicago TribuneRe... ... Read more

$4.99 USD

An “evocative” (Newsday) biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of England and France, who transcended the mores of society—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Last White Rose“An alluringly candid portrait of this most public yet elusive of medieval women.”—The Boston Globe“[Alison Weir] has perfected the art of bringing history to life.”—Chicago TribuneRe...
... Read more
Children of Ash and Elm

A History of the Vikings

by Neil Price ...

From a distinguished archaeologist, the definitive history of the Vikings—from arts and culture to politics and cosmology.**“A thrilling read.” —**Wall Street JournalThe Viking Age saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have ... Read more

$17.99 USD

From a distinguished archaeologist, the definitive history of the Vikings—from arts and culture to politics and cosmology.**“A thrilling read.” —**Wall Street JournalThe Viking Age saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have
... Read more
The Gilded Page

The Secret Lives of Medieval Manuscripts

by Mary Wellesley ...

A breathtaking journey into the hidden history of medieval manuscripts, from the Lindisfarne Gospels to the ornate Psalter of Henry VIII“A delight—immersive, conversational, and intensely visual, full of gorgeous illustrations and shimmering description.” –Helen Castor, author of She-WolvesMedieval manuscripts can tell us much about power and art, knowledge and beauty. Many have survived because ... Read more

Was $18.99 USD Now $1.99 USD

A breathtaking journey into the hidden history of medieval manuscripts, from the Lindisfarne Gospels to the ornate Psalter of Henry VIII“A delight—immersive, conversational, and intensely visual, full of gorgeous illustrations and shimmering description.” –Helen Castor, author of She-WolvesMedieval manuscripts can tell us much about power and art, knowledge and beauty. Many have survived because
... Read more
The Invention of Power

Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West

by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita ...

In the tradition of Why Nations Fail, this book solves one of the great puzzles of history: Why did the West become the most powerful civilization in the world?Western exceptionalism—the idea that European civilizations are freer, wealthier, and less violent—is a widespread and powerful political idea. It has been a source of peace and prosperity in some societies, and of ethnic cleansing and ... Read more

Was $14.99 USD Now $1.99 USD

In the tradition of Why Nations Fail, this book solves one of the great puzzles of history: Why did the West become the most powerful civilization in the world?Western exceptionalism—the idea that European civilizations are freer, wealthier, and less violent—is a widespread and powerful political idea. It has been a source of peace and prosperity in some societies, and of ethnic cleansing and
... Read more
Holy Warriors

by Jonathan Phillips ...

From an internationally renowned expert, here is an accessible and utterly fascinating one-volume history of the Crusades, thrillingly told through the experiences of its many players—knights and sultans, kings and poets, Christians and Muslims. Jonathan Phillips traces the origins, expansion, decline, and conclusion of the Crusades and comments on their contemporary echoes—from the mysteries of ... Read more

$4.99 USD

From an internationally renowned expert, here is an accessible and utterly fascinating one-volume history of the Crusades, thrillingly told through the experiences of its many players—knights and sultans, kings and poets, Christians and Muslims. Jonathan Phillips traces the origins, expansion, decline, and conclusion of the Crusades and comments on their contemporary echoes—from the mysteries of
... Read more
The Sea-King and the Sorceress

Life and Death in the Viking Age

by Neil Price ...

From the acclaimed author of Children of Ash and Elm**, an intimate, continent-spanning human journey through the Viking world.****“[Price] has a talent for visual reconstruction; it’s like being with him on these digs, watching as ancient secrets are revealed. Nearly every page brings a surprise, sometimes disturbing, often moving, always profound.”―**Times (UK)For centuries, Vikings have... ... Read more

$19.99 USD

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From the acclaimed author of Children of Ash and Elm**, an intimate, continent-spanning human journey through the Viking world.****“[Price] has a talent for visual reconstruction; it’s like being with him on these digs, watching as ancient secrets are revealed. Nearly every page brings a surprise, sometimes disturbing, often moving, always profound.”―**Times (UK)For centuries, Vikings have...
... Read more
Medieval Chinese Warfare 300-900

by David Graff ...

Series series Warfare and History
Shortly after 300 AD, barbarian invaders from Inner Asia toppled China's Western Jin dynasty, leaving the country divided and at war for several centuries. Despite this, the empire gradually formed a unified imperial order. Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300-900 explores the military strategies, institutions and wars that reconstructed the Chinese empire that has survived into modern times.Drawing on ... Read more

$62.99 USD

Shortly after 300 AD, barbarian invaders from Inner Asia toppled China's Western Jin dynasty, leaving the country divided and at war for several centuries. Despite this, the empire gradually formed a unified imperial order. Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300-900 explores the military strategies, institutions and wars that reconstructed the Chinese empire that has survived into modern times.Drawing on
... Read more
The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales

Edited by Patrick K. Ford ...

Series series World Literature in Translation
The four stories that make up the Mabinogi, along with three additional tales from the same tradition, form this collection and compose the core of the ancient Welsh mythological cycle. Included are only those stories that have remained unadulterated by the influence of the French Arthurian romances, providing a rare, authentic selection of the finest works in medieval Celtic literature. This ... Read more

$13.99 USD

The four stories that make up the Mabinogi, along with three additional tales from the same tradition, form this collection and compose the core of the ancient Welsh mythological cycle. Included are only those stories that have remained unadulterated by the influence of the French Arthurian romances, providing a rare, authentic selection of the finest works in medieval Celtic literature. This
... Read more
The Once and Future Sex

Going Medieval on Women's Roles in Society

by Eleanor Janega ...

**A “provocative, colloquial and entertaining” (Carolyne Larrington, Times Literary Supplement) exploration of medieval thinking about women’s beauty, sexuality, and behavior.“A timely corrective…Ms. Janega’s witty but merciless dissection of medieval misogyny is a welcome challenge to us to stop recycling the same old prejudices.”—Elizabeth Lowry, Wall Street Journal**What makes for the ideal ... Read more

$12.99 USD

**A “provocative, colloquial and entertaining” (Carolyne Larrington, Times Literary Supplement) exploration of medieval thinking about women’s beauty, sexuality, and behavior.“A timely corrective…Ms. Janega’s witty but merciless dissection of medieval misogyny is a welcome challenge to us to stop recycling the same old prejudices.”—Elizabeth Lowry, Wall Street Journal**What makes for the ideal
... Read more
Indians

A Brief History of A Civilization

by Namit Arora ...

What do we really know about the Aryan migration theory and why is that debate so hot?Why did the people of Khajuraho carve erotic scenes on their temple walls?What did the monks at Nalanda eat for dinner?Did our ideals of beauty ever prefer dark skin?Indian civilization is an idea, a reality, an enigma. In this riveting book, Namit Arora takes us on an unforgettable journey through 500... ... Read more

$4.73 USD

What do we really know about the Aryan migration theory and why is that debate so hot?Why did the people of Khajuraho carve erotic scenes on their temple walls?What did the monks at Nalanda eat for dinner?Did our ideals of beauty ever prefer dark skin?Indian civilization is an idea, a reality, an enigma. In this riveting book, Namit Arora takes us on an unforgettable journey through 500...
... Read more
1453

The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West

by Roger Crowley ...

A gripping exploration of the fall of Constantinople and its connection to the world we live in today.The fall of Constantinople in 1453 signaled a shift in history and the end of the Byzantium Empire. Roger Crowley's comprehensive account of the battle between Mehmet II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and Constantine XI, the 57th emperor of Byzantium, illuminates the period in history that was a ... Read more

$10.99 USD

A gripping exploration of the fall of Constantinople and its connection to the world we live in today.The fall of Constantinople in 1453 signaled a shift in history and the end of the Byzantium Empire. Roger Crowley's comprehensive account of the battle between Mehmet II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and Constantine XI, the 57th emperor of Byzantium, illuminates the period in history that was a
... Read more
Justice for Jehanne

The Tale of a Medieval Survivor

by Sara McDougall ...

A spellbinding narrative history that defies modern assumptions about women’s lives in the Middle Ages and informs contemporary debates about sexual violence and the limits of justiceIn the winter of 1472, the city of Dijon, France, became the stage for a remarkable legal drama. On the mayor’s orders, an investigator named Jaques Borestel went door-to-door questioning his neighbors about an ... Read more

$21.99 USD

A spellbinding narrative history that defies modern assumptions about women’s lives in the Middle Ages and informs contemporary debates about sexual violence and the limits of justiceIn the winter of 1472, the city of Dijon, France, became the stage for a remarkable legal drama. On the mayor’s orders, an investigator named Jaques Borestel went door-to-door questioning his neighbors about an
... Read more
Medieval Misogyny and the Invention of Western Romantic Love

by R. Howard Bloch ...

Until now the advent of Western romantic love has been seen as a liberation from—or antidote to—ten centuries of misogyny. In this major contribution to gender studies, R. Howard Bloch demonstrates how similar the ubiquitous antifeminism of medieval times and the romantic idealization of woman actually are.Through analyses of a broad range of patristic and medieval texts, Bloch explores the ... Read more

Was $12.99 USD Now $2.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Until now the advent of Western romantic love has been seen as a liberation from—or antidote to—ten centuries of misogyny. In this major contribution to gender studies, R. Howard Bloch demonstrates how similar the ubiquitous antifeminism of medieval times and the romantic idealization of woman actually are.Through analyses of a broad range of patristic and medieval texts, Bloch explores the
... Read more
The Very Secret Sex Lives of Medieval Women

by Rosalie Gilbert ...

A "wickedly entertaining, informative and thought-provoking" look at romance, courtship, and other intimacies behind closed Medieval doors (Dr. Markus Kerr, PhD, MDR).Were medieval women slaves to their husband's desires, jealously secured in a chastity belt in his absence? Was sex a duty or could it be a pleasure? Did a woman have a say about her own female sexuality, body, and who did or didn't ... Read more

$12.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

A "wickedly entertaining, informative and thought-provoking" look at romance, courtship, and other intimacies behind closed Medieval doors (Dr. Markus Kerr, PhD, MDR).Were medieval women slaves to their husband's desires, jealously secured in a chastity belt in his absence? Was sex a duty or could it be a pleasure? Did a woman have a say about her own female sexuality, body, and who did or didn't
... Read more
Medieval Market Morality

Life, Law and Ethics in the English Marketplace, 1200–1500

by James Davis ...

This important study examines the market trade of medieval England by providing a wide-ranging critique of the moral and legal imperatives that underpinned retail trade. James Davis shows how market-goers were influenced not only by practical and economic considerations of price, quality, supply and demand, but also by the moral and cultural environment within which such deals were conducted. This ... Read more

$51.99 USD

This important study examines the market trade of medieval England by providing a wide-ranging critique of the moral and legal imperatives that underpinned retail trade. James Davis shows how market-goers were influenced not only by practical and economic considerations of price, quality, supply and demand, but also by the moral and cultural environment within which such deals were conducted. This
... Read more
Mächte und Throne

Eine neue Geschichte des Mittelalters

by Dan Jones ...

Translated by Heike Schlatterer ...

Als das einst mächtige Römische Reich zerfiel und neue, «barbarische» Herrscher an die Macht kamen, begann im Westen Eurasiens eine tausendjährige Phase der Transformation. Dan Jones schlägt souverän Schneisen durch die ferne Welt der Könige und Königinnen, Päpste, Bauern, Mönche und Kreuzfahrer, Kaufleute, Künstler und Gelehrten. Sein fesselndes Buch verdichtet die Geschichte des Mittelalters in ... Read more

$33.90 USD

Als das einst mächtige Römische Reich zerfiel und neue, «barbarische» Herrscher an die Macht kamen, begann im Westen Eurasiens eine tausendjährige Phase der Transformation. Dan Jones schlägt souverän Schneisen durch die ferne Welt der Könige und Königinnen, Päpste, Bauern, Mönche und Kreuzfahrer, Kaufleute, Künstler und Gelehrten. Sein fesselndes Buch verdichtet die Geschichte des Mittelalters in
... Read more

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