The Medieval World

By: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong

Far from being a time of darkness, the Middle Ages was an essential period in the grand narrative of Western history. But what was it like to actually live in those extraordinary times? Now you can find out.

These 36 lectures provide a different perspective on the society and culture of the Middle Ages - one that entrenches you in the daily human experience of living during this underappreciated era. Drawing on history, literature, the arts, technology, and science, these lectures will deepen the way you understand not only the Middle Ages but everything that came afterward: From the Renaissance, to the Enlightenment, to your own world.

Filled with amazing insights, this series brings you closer than ever before to life as it was lived and felt. You'll meet the likes of William Caxton, England's first printer who not only printed and distributed a variety of works but also often had to translate them himself; learn about Hugh of Payns and the role of his Knights Templar - organized for the protection of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem - in the creation of the first modern bank; see how communities dealt with marriage in a time when the church had not yet drawn this institution into its orbit; and much more.

Rich with information and period detail (including revealing examples of medieval literature from the English, French, Norse, Icelandic, and Italian worlds), these lectures will dramatically increase your understanding of how lives in the Middle Ages were really lived.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses

Very Easy to Listen To

What made the experience of listening to The Medieval World the most enjoyable?

The way the Professor presented each of the lectures make listening to "lectures" very easy and enjoyable.

What does Professor Dorsey Armstrong bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

In my opinion, you can tell she enjoys her subject matter. She paraphrases easily and with enough substance you don't feel like your missing anything. And where she thought you actually would be missing something, she told you so.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this set of lectures and from that I will order more. Hopefully they are all as well presented as this one.

Informative lecture, with piped-in applause

The lecturer has a pleasant, informal style that makes listening to this broad overview a pleasure.

I find the "Great Courses" to be of uneven quality in general, but this particular lecture has been really satisfying in substance, organization, and presentation.

I do wish the producers would leave out the Masterpiece theatre music and canned applause, they condescend to the listener and cheapen the experience.

Well done!

Would you listen to The Medieval World again? Why?

Very informative, and organized. Professor Armstrong made it very interesting, and was easy to listen too. I'm looking forward to her other books on this topic.

not so much medieval world... more like england

I'd say 50% England, 40 % France, 10% rest of the world. really more like introduction 101 level

Great!

This was fantastic. The narration is clear, the topics well organized, and it covered the materials I was interested in.