History of the Middle Ages, 300-1500 - 2nd Edition by John M Riddle (Paperback)

About the Book

This text covers the Middle Ages from the classical era to the late medieval period. Riddle provides a cogent analysis of the rulers, wars, and events-both natural and human-that defined the medieval era. Richly illustrated with color plates, this lively, engaging book will im...

Book Synopsis

This text covers the Middle Ages from the classical era to the late medieval period. Riddle provides a cogent analysis of the rulers, wars, and events--both natural and human--that defined the medieval era. Richly illustrated with color plates, this lively, engaging book will immerse readers in an era that shaped the foundation for the modern world.

Review Quotes

A lively and fascinating account of the Middle Ages. The intriguing vignettes that open each chapter set the scene for the issues and themes to be explored. Aspects of daily life are teased out not just from written records but also from archaeological remains, surgical instruments, and even analyses of bones and sewage deposits. This novel approach will be of particular interest to all readers wishing a cogent yet compelling account of events that defined the medieval period--an era in which the foundations were laid for what was to become modern science and ultimately the industrial revolution.

In my upper-level overview course on Medieval European History, the biggest challenge I face is the lack of background my students have. This text gives them an understanding of Antiquity and an excellent rehearsal of Islamic history. My students love this book. They found it very helpful in explaining things I didn't have time to cover in class or that they ran into in their own research. A number said this was one of the books they would keep rather than selling back. That's a big compliment. This text is easier--and in my opinion more interesting--to read than many of the newer texts currently available, or the old-reliable Canter. It is better in its approach than the other popular versions and more up to date.

In this updated edition of his magisterial survey of the Middle Ages, John Riddle does the near impossible: improves upon the already excellent first edition. Still comprehensive in scope, the second edition also adeptly balances depth and breadth in the coverage of an important era in history, adding discussion of topics too often ignored in other survey texts, such as eastern Europe and the Islamic states. The addition of full color maps and figures in the second edition adds a vivid visual element to the work, while the incorporation of new interpretations drawn from recent scholarship creates a revised narrative that is insightful.

Inclusive in its coverage and innovative in approach, John Riddle's survey of medieval history offers a first-rate introduction that will prove invaluable to those embarking on the study of this richly diverse period. Features of special note include Riddle's highlighting of key medieval texts and his evaluations of the contributions made by leading modern scholars to major historical debates. The list of judiciously selected Internet resources that supplements the bibliography at the end of each chapter will prove particularly useful to the new generation of readers.

Rooted in the twilight of the Roman empire as its political unity, classical culture, and way of life waned, this well-written volume provides a comprehensive treatment of the Middle Ages. Eminent scholar John Riddle guides us expertly into the heart of these crucial twelve centuries, tracing their continuity while highlighting the extraordinary capacity for innovation in all aspects of European society, religion, politics, culture, science, and technology.

The scope is superior to all other texts on the market--best coverage I have seen since Tierney and Painter's Western Europe in the Middle Ages. It is a book with good 'bones' and includes most of the essential material my students need. It also reads well and covers other tangential items that often go uncovered in lecture.

Very comprehensive yet readable. The scope is a good balance between broad strokes and specific details. The impressive historiographic sections reinforce the historiography that I incorporate in my course. The author adeptly weaves humor and modern examples into the narrative to illustrate points about medieval history. Students really enjoyed this book, and they demonstrated greater comprehension of medieval history as a result.

About the Author

John M. Riddle is Alumni Distinguished Professor of History emeritus at North Carolina State University.
Winston Black is assistant professor of history at Assumption College.