Medieval Europe

By: Chris Wickham

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

The millennium between the breakup of the western Roman Empire and the Reformation was a long and hugely transformative period - one not easily chronicled within a single volume. Yet distinguished historian Chris Wickham has taken up the challenge in this landmark book, and he succeeds in producing the most riveting account of medieval Europe in a generation.

Tracking the entire sweep of the Middle Ages across Europe, Wickham focuses on important changes century by century, including such pivotal crises and moments as the fall of the western Roman Empire, Charlemagne's reforms, the feudal revolution, the challenge of heresy, the destruction of the Byzantine Empire, the rebuilding of late medieval states, and the appalling devastation of the Black Death. He provides illuminating vignettes that underscore how shifting social, economic, and political circumstances affected individual lives and international events. Wickham offers both a new conception of Europe's medieval period and a provocative revision of exactly how and why the Middle Ages matter.

©2016 Chris Wickham (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Good overview that inspires more reading

great narration and book. very dense and great information. I found it hard to follow at times with a lot of dates being thrown out at once, I think this is more a product of the audio book medium than the fault of the author or book.

very academic but enjoyed the background.

I wish I had had such a class in school. very entertaining nice even reading.

Great Account of History-Sad Story of Human Nature

I always enjoy reading purported factual historical commentary. I trust this book fits that description. I thourouly enjoyed it. But I couldn't help think of this as more of the same historical accounts I have read, of how faulty the human condition is (fallen state from a faith based standpoint). The story of human existence is so fraught with conquest, empire building, power. egotistical satisfaction, subjugation, cruelty. and exploitation of others that I wonder if war and conflict in pursuit those endeavors doesn't constitute the majority of time engaged in such activity. I would love to see a National Geographic summary graph comparing years of war and conflict vs years of relative peace and tranquility over the ages. A sort of Good vs Evil or Peace vs War tally. An added facet might highlight what would be considered as "a just war" thinking WW II might fit that bill. I would not include any conflict that was based on territorial expansion or religious ideology as just cause for the instigation of war.I am afraid the result of such a summary would condemn us as a species.

Having said all of that, I enjoyed listening to the account of the Medieval Europe me I found it peculiar that the author referred to the Great Schism as the Protestant Reformation when that term is usually reserved for the 1054 split between West vs East churches, Rome (latin) vs Constantinople/Antioch/Jerusalem/Alexandria (greek). I suppose in the context of European history the big split is that historical event but a mis- characterization from a church historical point if view.

Just another "Great Man" history

Just a tedious list of Popes and Kings and Emporers. No mention of the impacts of technology or the environment or even cultural changes. Just like the tedious high school texts of my youth. Not very illumunating.. Just could not force myself to finish.

Over my head

Bit off more than I could grasp. Need a much better grounding in the medieval world to follow. There are assumption that you’ll know the reference off the top of your head is not for beginners.