Medieval History: Reference Books

Contents: Introduction -- The Background -- Events -- Administration -- The Economy -- The Church.

Focusing on political, military, religious, and constitutional history of Medieval England, this reference offers information that is often elusive or difficult to understand within the covers of specialized monographs and journal articles.

Covers social, cultural, and political life from the Anglo-Saxon invasions of the fifth century to the turn of the sixteenth century. Includes such aspects as art, architecture, law, literature, kings, commoners, women, music, commerce, technology, warfare, and religion. Also provides insights into England's ties with the Celtic world of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland; the French and Anglo-Norman world on the continent; the Viking and Scandinavian world of the North Sea; and to Christendom.

This work provides introductions to the political, economic, social, religious, economic, intellectual, literary, and artistic history of medieval France. Coverage extends from the 5th to the late 15th century in the region where the French court emerged and flourished.

This dictionary is useful and authoritative in deciphering the symbolic meanings embedded in centuries of Christian art. The entries (there are more than 800) are arranged alphabetically, concentrate on the biographies (including famous legends) of frequently depicted saints and the objects with which they were characteristically associated, and range in length from 10 to 300 words.

An authoritative and extensive encyclopedia of art in all locations and time periods. Because art is to important to medieval studies, this reference set is a valuable asset to research.

Early Christianity is defined chronologically from the time of Jesus to the seventh century, but that limit has been extended in this second edition to allow increased coverage of Eastern Christianity. The work focuses on persons, places, doctrines, practices, art, liturgy, heresies, and schisms.

"This two-volume set on Islam is a timely resource aimed at the general reader. More than 500 articles, 200-5,000 words in length, describe the Islamic world from its known beginnings to the present day. A 'Synoptic Outline of Entries' at the beginning of volume one presents a thematic overview of the encyclopedia that facilitates browsing. A glossary of terms and a pronunciation key appear at the end of volume two, followed by genealogies, timelines, and a detailed index."

This 2nd edition is the standard reference book for all questions Catholic. Within its 15 volumes are excellent articles on theology, church history, and canon law; and thoughtful discussions on other religions, other forms of Christianity, and such topics as "Anarchism," "Poverty," and "Prostitution" (seen, of course, in the light of the Catholic faith and intellectual tradition). The entries range from lengthy and somewhat scholarly pieces on historical figures like Aristotle, Napoleon I, or Paul the Apostle to short biographies of the many lesser-known saints and popes and brief, explanatory articles on theological terms like "Joy" and "Hope" as well as many obscure sects and movements.

This scholarly book offers a gold mine of information on the Judeo-Christian tradition as it applied to Western art. Over 1,700 alphabetized entries cover every aspect of Christian art and architecture. Included are articles on architectural elements, artists, religious personalities, artistic and theological movements, and other topics that have influenced Christian art.

Chronicles the 700-year history of Christendom's Holy Wars in text, 20 color photographs, and 150 high quality four-color maps. Includes a chronology, glossary, and detailed index.

Covers the concepts and terms relevant to the world of the medieval knight. The intent is to help the reader more easily understand the development & growth of the concepts of chivalry and knighthood.

The first dictionary of medieval terms intended for the non-specialist with an interest in the medieval world.

Published under the auspices of the American Council of Learned Societies Visit every aspect of medieval life in Western Europe, the Scandinavian north, the Byzantine and Slavic east, the Muslim south, and the ubiquitous world of Judaism from A.D. 500 to 1500. Here you can explore the conditions of daily life, major and minor figures, terms and concepts, countries and provinces, and movements, monuments, people, and events.

The four-volume Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Medieval World provides readers with comprehensive coverage of the medieval world, from the fall of Rome to the European Renaissance, including Western and non-Western cultures and civilizations.

Translated from the French edition, with new entries not found in the French original (including Beowulf), and a bibliography now included after each entry. Coverage includes general concepts, theories, biographies, and historical events; individual works of art and monuments are not given separate entries.

The Dictionary of Ancient and Medieval Warfare" provides a comprehensive guide to the battles and wars, commanders, tactics, formations, fortifications, and weapons of war in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, India, China, and Japan from the beginning of recorded history to the 16th century.

This is a useful compilation of brief entries on ideas, events, persons, places, and things prepared by a group of reputable scholars. Many of the entries in this alphabetical list include references for further reading. The coverage is impressive, giving due attention to all of Europe and the Middle East, to all phases of economic, social, political, intellectual, and spiritual life. Even such matters as famine receive their proper place.

This four-volume set provides and analyzes 125 important primary-source documents and covers a broad range of world history-from the 2350 B.C.E. Reform Edict of Urukagina to 2000's Constitutive Act of the African Union-and targets all geographic regions. It includes influential documents such as Christopher Columbus's letter to Raphael Sanxis on the discovery of America, Martin Luther's 95 theses, Winston Churchill's "The sinews of peace" speech, and the Northern Ireland peace agreement. The primary sources incorporate laws and legal codes, treaties, edicts, and political speeches. Essays are compiled by a team of 75 noted historians and contain detailed bibliographies, time lines, key quotes from the documents, and study questions.

A reference work covering all key aspects of European history, society, and culture from 500 to 1500 A.D., as well as the Byzantine Empire, Islamic dynasties, and Asiatic peoples of the era. It is designed both for medievalists, who need a detailed and reliable reference tool, and for students and general readers seeking an accessible guide to the period. Over 800 scholars have assembled thousands of comprehensive entries, lavishly supplemented by hundreds of illustrations and dozens of maps.

Beginning in 500 with the fusion of classical, Christian, and Germanic cultures and ending in 1300 with a Europe united by a desire for growth, knowledge, and change, this volume provides basic information on the significant cultural figures of the Middle Ages. It includes over 400 people whose contributions in literature, religion, philosophy, education, or politics influenced the development and culture of the Medieval world. While focusing on Western European figures, the book does not neglect those from Byzantium, Baghdad, and the Arab world who also contributed to the politics, religion, and culture of Western Europe.