• The History of the Medieval World

  • From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade
  • By: Susan Wise Bauer
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 22 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,520 ratings)

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The History of the Medieval World

By: Susan Wise Bauer
Narrated by: John Lee
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Publisher's summary

From the schism between Rome and Constantinople to the rise of the T'ang Dynasty, from the birth of Muhammad to the crowning of Charlemagne, this erudite book tells the fascinating, often violent story of kings, generals, and the peoples they ruled. In her earlier work, The History of the Ancient World, Susan Wise Bauer wrote of the rise of kingship based on might. But in the years between the fourth and the 12th centuries, rulers had to find new justification for their power, and they turned to divine truth or grace to justify political and military action. Right thus replaces might as the engine of empire. Not just Christianity and Islam but the religions of the Persians and the Germans, and even Buddhism, are pressed into the service of the state. This phenomenon---stretching from the Americas all the way to Japan---changes religion, but it also changes the state.

©2010 Susan Wise Bauer (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

“[A] witty and well-written examination of world history...that is rich in detail and intriguing in anecdotal information.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Featured Article: Travel to the Middle Ages with These Audiobooks and Podcasts


The Medieval Era, the tumultuous centuries from the fall of the Roman Empire to the advent of the Enlightenment, is one of the most alluring and intriguing periods of human history. Ready to travel back in time? Check out these audiobooks and podcasts, which cover everything from Icelandic sagas and Medieval murder to the queens of Medieval England and the scientific advancements of the Arab World.

What listeners say about The History of the Medieval World

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Excellent

I learned a lot of how the European psyche came to be and how the modem belief in a shared History come to be.

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good overview

It was interesting and well read. A good overview of the subject matter and enjoyable.

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    4 out of 5 stars

the best

if you like history this is the book for you .it is chocked full of every detail that hapend

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Good narrative.

This was very well written and covers the whole world , not just Europe. I would highly recommend.

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Excellent review.

I will buy a paper copy for my library to use as a book of reference.

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Best in class historical audiobook

Very thoughtful and thorough explanation of civilization development - comprehensive and immensely enjoyable. Time well spent - very good investment of a listener’s time.

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If you love history you'll love this book

This book is well researched well written and laid out The chapters are not too long They hit all the historical high points of the time period this book covers And the book flows nicely

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John Lee

I wish John Lee would narrate every single book on Audible. I am sad to finish this trilogy as I have become attached to his voice.
Bauer is excellent.

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Informative

I used this for one of my highschool classes. I liked it very much. The reader was clear and into the story. It's nearly all political history about who held power when and how they got it. It also speaks of the starts of major religions and environmental events such as the eruption of Krakatoa. I think the author did a pretty good job of presenting a nearly impartial account of the events. I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of midevil history.

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Valuable information

Historically correct and would be great info for textbook support. Will buy hard copy in the future.

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