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.

Christopher Broadhurst, University of New Orleans

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.

Maria A. D'Aronco, Università di Udine

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.

Emilie Savage-Smith, University of Oxford

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.

John D. Hosler, Associate Professor of History, Morgan State University

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.

Wendy Turner, Augusta State

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.

Mary Kathryn Robinson, Lourdes College