Readings in Medieval History, Fourth Edition offers a comprehensive collection of medieval primary sources in English translation, carefully chosen to balance range and depth. Drawing on a wide variety of genres, subjects, and regions across medieval Europe, it invites readers to engage directly with the texts that shaped the Middle Ages.
The documents are presented in full or in substantial excerpts, allowing students and general readers alike to read closely, compare perspectives, and develop their own interpretations. The selections illuminate political, social, religious, legal, and cultural life, encouraging critical analysis rather than relying on summary or commentary alone.
For this updated edition, more bibliographical information has been added to the introductions to guide further study. Five new texts expand coverage of legal, religious, Polish, and women's history, reflecting key areas of current scholarship. A helpful glossary clarifies unfamiliar terms and supports readers who may be approaching medieval sources for the first time.
Ideal for coursework or independent exploration, this volume serves as a foundational resource for understanding the richness and diversity of medieval evidence and the people who produced it.
- Extensive primary sources from across medieval Europe
- Full texts or substantial extracts for in-depth reading
- Thematic organization to support teaching and study
- Updated introductions with bibliographical guidance
- Glossary for key medieval terms
