About the Author

Barbara A. Hanawalt is the George III Professor of British History at Ohio State University. She was previously professor of history at the University of Minnesota and the director of its Medieval Studies Center. She is the author of Growing Up in Medieval London: The Experience of Childhood in History, The Ties that Bound: Peasant Families in Medieval England, and 'Of Good and Ill Repute': Gender and Social Control in Medieval
England.

Reviews

"Hanawalt paints a broad picture of this period with all of the diversity and excitement that is too often left out. From Clovis and Charlemagne to Vladimir and Harun al-Rashid, this account successfully weaves together the complexities of competing and merging interests and the cultural and social upheavals that resulted... Illustrations are varied, appropriate, and often dazzlingly effective... This history is accurate, flowing, and fun. The appended
chronology, glossary, and further reading sections successfully cap an ambitious and effective effort. This work is a godsend for young adults."--School Library Journal
"The detail is rich... A valuable supplement for students researching midieval topics. Amply and well illustrated, the handsome, oversize volume includes engaging sidebars and captions, an extensive bibliography, a glossary, and a chronology."--Booklist
"A scholarly but involving history of the Middle Ages... Richly illustrated with black-and-white medieval maps, drawings, illustrations, photographs, documents, and artifacts, this impressive history captures an era--its glory and its breadth."--Kirkus Reviews (bulleted review)
"[Hanawalt] covers a broad spectrum of cultures and classes, and large political movements as well as stories of individual men and women. Excerpts from letters, poetry, and other primary sources enliven her narrative, and boxed illustrations and text allow her to delve into the details of medieval life.... Hanawalt writes for an intelligent audience of adults and older teens... This book would enhance both high school and public libraries."--VOYA
"Well-illustrated..., this should be a very useful...addition for any study of the Middle Ages."--Christian Schools International
"Hanawalt paints a broad picture of this period with all of the diversity and excitement that is too often left out. From Clovis and Charlemagne to Vladimir and Harun al-Rashid, this account successfully weaves together the complexities of competing and merging interests and the cultural and social upheavals that resulted... Illustrations are varied, appropriate, and often dazzlingly effective... This history is accurate, flowing, and fun. The appended
chronology, glossary, and further reading sections successfully cap an ambitious and effective effort. This work is a godsend for young adults."--School Library Journal
"The detail is rich... A valuable supplement for students researching midieval topics. Amply and well illustrated, the handsome, oversize volume includes engaging sidebars and captions, an extensive bibliography, a glossary, and a chronology."--Booklist
"A scholarly but involving history of the Middle Ages... Richly illustrated with black-and-white medieval maps, drawings, illustrations, photographs, documents, and artifacts, this impressive history captures an era--its glory and its breadth."--Kirkus Reviews (bulleted review)
"[Hanawalt] covers a broad spectrum of cultures and classes, and large political movements as well as stories of individual men and women. Excerpts from letters, poetry, and other primary sources enliven her narrative, and boxed illustrations and text allow her to delve into the details of medieval life.... Hanawalt writes for an intelligent audience of adults and older teens... This book would enhance both high school and public libraries."--VOYA
"Hanawalt's writing is vivid and interesting.... Comprehensive enough to be informative, but not so scholarly as to be dry, this history is one that can be cracked open for some interesting and informative reading any time."--Baton Rouge Advocate
"Well-illustrated..., this should be a very useful...addition for any study of the Middle Ages."--Christian Schools International