The Medieval World

By: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong

Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins

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

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.

Marvelous

Love Professor Armstrong’s presentations! Entertaining and informational. Highly recommend any of her courses. She is the very best!

Professor Armstrong is a great narrator.

After finishing a podcast on the roman empire was eager to find out what happened next. This lecture series was just what I was looking for. On to the Renaissance! (Early modern period, sorry proffessor).

Love The Great Coures

I became interested in this because of a specific book I purchased, A discovery of witches. I enjoyed learning more about the people and life styles from the medieval times. This book has influenced me to purchase 3 other books in the great courses series.

Very good 😊

Good overall review of the Middle Age as the basis for our society today. I encourage anyone interested in learning more of how our western culture evolved to listen to this series.

Great

this course had great content and presentation. I learned a lot of new things. thanks

Just what I was looking for

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

I love the perspective she took in the lectures. It was not a story of the great names in history but about the times in general.

What other book might you compare The Medieval World to and why?

Every one of the Great Courses I've listened to are great. I've heard lectures on music, ancient history & communication skills & they are all great.

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

She has a great speaking voice and it's also cool to hear the things she reads in the original Saxon or old English.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I want to listen to the rest of her lectures.

Any additional comments?

If ;you want to know more about the middle ages then you should listen to this.

Dorsey Armstrong is always amazing

This is a great overview with fun details and colorful stories. It’s Dorsey Armstrong at her best.