10 Great Medieval Books
A Distant Mirror
The Calamitous 14th Century” by Barbara Tuchman – This book provides a sweeping and engaging portrait of the 14th century, a time of great upheaval and change in Europe. Tuchman was a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author known for her accessible and engaging writing style.
“The Crusades Through Arab Eyes” by Amin Maalouf
This book offers a perspective on the Crusades that is often overlooked in Western accounts: that of the Arabs who experienced the Crusades firsthand. Maalouf is a Lebanese author and journalist who has written extensively on the history and culture of the Middle East.
“The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England” by Ian Mortimer
This book is a lively and immersive guide to daily life in medieval England, covering everything from food and drink to fashion and hygiene. Mortimer is a historian and novelist who specializes in the medieval period.
“The Norman Conquest: Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England” by Marc Morris This book provides a comprehensive account of the Norman Conquest of England, including the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Morris is a historian and broadcaster who has written several books on medieval English history.
“The Middle Ages: A Very Short Introduction” by Miri Rubin
This book provides a concise and accessible overview of the medieval period, including its major historical events, cultural developments, and social structures. Rubin is a historian and professor of medieval and early modern history at Queen Mary University of London.
“The Black Death: A Personal History” by John Hatcher
This book provides a gripping and immersive account of the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. Hatcher is a historian and professor of economic and social history at the University of Cambridge.
“The Life and Times of Chaucer” by John Gardner
This book is a biographical account of the life of Geoffrey Chaucer, one of the most important writers of the medieval period. Gardner was a novelist, essayist, and literary critic known for his works of historical fiction.
“The Civilization of the Middle Ages” by Norman F. Cantor
This book is a comprehensive survey of the medieval period, covering its cultural, intellectual, and religious developments as well as its political and social structures. Cantor was a historian and professor of history, sociology, and comparative literature at New York University.
“The Oxford Illustrated History of Medieval Europe” edited by George Holmes
This book is a lavishly illustrated and expertly curated survey of medieval Europe, covering everything from its major historical events to its art and architecture. Holmes was a historian and professor of history at the University of Oxford.
“The Song of Roland” translated by Dorothy L. Sayers
This book is a translation of one of the most famous epic poems of the medieval period, the “Chanson de Roland.” Sayers was a renowned author, playwright, and translator, best known for her mystery novels featuring detective Lord Peter Wimsey.
