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The Medieval World  By  cover art

The Medieval World

By: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
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Publisher's summary

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

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 Medieval World

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Solid survey of medieval history

A well written and well delivered series of lectures. By necessity, these do not go into great depth, but a great intro to the topic.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars

interesting and illuminating

there were some lectures that left me a little bored, but this view into the world of the pastis definitely worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great course

Dorsey Armstrong delivers another insightful and easy to listen to set of courses. If the middle ages interests you try it and you won't be disappointed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Not just places and dates

Goes into how the people in the middle ages lived. A great read for anyone who likes this period of history.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Well-written, clear and concise.

I highly recommend this course! Dorsey Armstrong has created an impressive work of scholarship, brilliantly conceived and performed.

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Amazing description of the medieval world!

Excellent! highly recomendable for those who like History! Great organization of the content. Really enjoyed the narration.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Super Interesting.

I had heard the book in the Vikings, so this was another layer of info.

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Very interesting

This is a very interesting and educational course, well performed narration, and easy to follow.

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Very well done

Professor Armstrong offers a great experience. Her course is informative, well organized and will hold your interest throughout. She provides a comprehensive yet concise account of a very interesting period in history that had a larger influence on our present age than we may realize. So if you have any interest in history you will appreciate and enjoy this course.

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Solid Foundation

This is an excellent overview of the Middle Ages through an English lense. I've heard a few of these now and since we're constantly referencing that science technology and culture coming from Asia and the Middle East I wonder why we're not covering them instead of Europe

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