This classic, wide-ranging introduction provides a firm framework of political narrative combined with lucid expositions of almost all aspects of the period:*economy*society*government*culture*religious life and popular religion*learning and schools*reform and revival of the Papacy*heyday of the medieval Empire*rise of the Normans*early Crusades*new horizons in the French and English monarchiesThe second edition explored some vital current interests - the history of marriage, the 'urban renaissance' in towns and cities of the age, and the increasing variety in modes of travel when Europe became amazingly cosmopolitan.This third edition of the second millennium explores the first millennium and introduces new themes and expands existing coverage:* the variety of human outlook, interest and experience* the role of women - explored in depth* increased coverage of central Europe, Bohemia, Hungary and PolandThe student is shown how to study history from sources. It is readable, alive and searching - revealing the depths as well as the range and variety of human experience.Christopher Brooke is Dixie Professor Emeritus of Ecclesiastical History, University of Cambridge, and Life Fellow of Gonville and Caius College.