The essential introduction to the Middle Ages by the author of The Time Traveller's Guide series—“the most remarkable medieval historian of our time” (The Times, UK). We tend to think of the Middle Ages as a dark, backward and unchanging time characterized by violence, ignorance and superstition. By contrast we believe progress arose from science and technological innovation, and that inventions of recent centuries created the modern world. But as Ian Mortimer shows in this fascinating book, we couldn’t be more wrong. In this revelatory history, Mortimer shows how people's horizons—their knowledge, experience and understanding of the world—were utterly transformed between 1000 and 1600, marking the transition from a warrior-led society to that of Shakespeare. Medieval Horizons sheds light on the enormous cultural changes that took place—from literacy to living standards, inequality and even the developing sense of self. Mortimer demonstrates why this was a revolutionary age of fundamental importance in the development of the Western world.

Get the Summary of Ian Mortimer's Medieval Horizons in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. "Medieval Horizons" by Ian Mortimer challenges the notion that the Middle Ages were a stagnant period devoid of significant change. Contrary to the belief that technological advancements are the sole drivers of societal transformation, the book argues that the medieval era saw profound shifts in social structures, cultural practices, and worldviews. Mortimer examines ten instances where the expansion of literal and metaphorical horizons indicates substantial social and cultural change, often overlooked due to the era's underestimation...

An accessible account of the Bible in the Middle Ages that traces the formation of the medieval canon.

This volume presents the results of archaeological investigations undertaken at a building site in Northampton in 2014. The location was of interest as it lay opposite the former medieval hospital of St. John, which influenced the development of this area of the town.

This is the first dedicated and comprehensive study of glass beads from Early Medieval Ireland, presenting the first national classification, typology, dating, symbology and social performance of glass beads.

Traces the silences through which medieval literature spoke volumes about closeted sexual behavior and identities.

This book gives readers the opportunity to appreciate Shakespeare from the perspectives of the late-medieval European traditions that surrounded him.