For many years the volumes of Denys Hay's distinguished General History of Europe have been standard recommendations for university students, sixth formers and general readers. They offer broad surveys of European history, in which the detailed discussion (on a regional or continent-wide basis) of social, economic, administrative and intellectual themes is woven into a clear framework of political events. They set out to combine scholarship with accessibility in texts that are both attractively written and intellectually vigorous. Now the series is being revised and refreshed again, with many of the books being relaunched - reset, redesigned and in a larger, more reader-friendly format.This revised and updated new edition of Professor Mundy's book is a lively introduction to Europe in 1150-1300 designed for students, teachers, scholars and general readers alike. Rather than a chronological narrative of events, it provides a portrait of the social, economic, political and intellectual life of Latin Christendom in the period. The author's use of contemporary sources is a particular strength of the book: wherever possible the men and women of the high middle ages are allowed to speak for themselves, commenting on their aims and their times in a way that makes their distant lives as complex and immediate as our own today. Attention is also devoted to topics often marginalised in books of this kind - to the history of women, for instance, and that of the Jews in a predominantly Christian Society.'It is noteworthy both for its originality and the erudition it displays ...In short this is a book which will be read by many with profit and enjoyment, especially because of the individual manner in which the author has seized a fortunate opportunity.'Times Literary Supplement (of the First Edition)'...his book should properly be regarded as a description and analysis of the society of western Europe in the 12th and 13th centuries. Judged from this point of view, it is very good indeed.'Colin Morris, English Historical Review (of the First Edition)John H Mundy is Professor Emeritus at Columbia University, New York, where he was Professor of Medieval History.