Powers and Thrones

A New History of the Middle Ages

By: Dan Jones

Narrated by: Dan Jones

Length: 24 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

"Not only an engrossing read about the distant past, both informative and entertaining, but also a profoundly thought-provoking view of our not-really-so-‘new’ present . . . All medieval history is here, beautifully narrated . . . The vision takes in whole imperial landscapes but also makes room for intimate portraits of key individuals, and even some poems."—Wall Street Journal

"A lively history . . . [Jones] has managed to touch every major topic. As each piece of the puzzle is placed into position, the modern world gradually comes into view . . . Powers and Thrones provides the reader with a framework for understanding a complicated subject, and it tells the story of an essential era of world history with skill and style."—The New York Times

The New York Times bestselling author returns with an epic history of the medieval world—a rich and complicated reappraisal of an era whose legacy and lessons we are still living with today.

When the once-mighty city of Rome was sacked by barbarians in 410 and lay in ruins, it signaled the end of an era—and the beginning of a thousand years of profound transformation. In a gripping narrative bursting with big names—from St Augustine and Attila the Hun to the Prophet Muhammad and Eleanor of Aquitaine—Dan Jones charges through the history of the Middle Ages. Powers and Thrones takes listeners on a journey through an emerging Europe, the great capitals of late Antiquity, as well as the influential cities of the Islamic West, and culminates in the first European voyages to the Americas.

The medieval world was forged by the big forces that still occupy us today: climate change, pandemic disease, mass migration, and technological revolutions. This was the time when the great European nationalities were formed; when the basic Western systems of law and governance were codified; when the Christian Churches matured as both powerful institutions and the regulators of Western public morality; and when art, architecture, philosophical inquiry and scientific invention went through periods of massive, revolutionary change.

The West was rebuilt on the ruins of an empire and emerged from a state of crisis and collapse to dominate the world. Every sphere of human life and activity was transformed in the thousand years covered by Powers and Thrones. As we face a critical turning point in our own millennium, Dan Jones shows that how we got here matters more than ever.

©2021 Dan Jones (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Despite the immensity of the task, renowned historian Jones makes the 1,000-year history of the Middle Ages accessible and utterly fascinating. He does so by consistently applying two techniques, strategic use of primary source material and relatable comparisons to modern times.... The book’s subtitle includes the word new, and deservedly so. This is a refreshing take on a long, complex period in the human story.” (Booklist)

“This gripping history manages to bring novelty to a well-trod subject, spanning the Dark Ages and the globe. Traversing crises and empires and shedding new light on famous subjects, this archive of a fascinating time enthralls till the final page.” (Newsweek)

“Jones covers 1,000 years of world history in this entertaining chronicle of the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Protestant Reformation. Throughout, Jones displays flashes of humor and reveals unexpected links between events and figures.... This richly detailed history will appeal to aficionados and newcomers alike.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Great history!

As usual he knocks it out of the park. Taking such a massive amount of history and really hitting all the good points and not just the usual stuff. It is a great listen/read and he makes it relatable. Also, how often can you find such a good writer who is also a good narrator? Thank you to Dan Jones for such a good book!

Excellent Overview of the Middle Ages

I reject the views of some reviewers who seem to have not read the summary of the book before they read or listened to the book itself. If you want a solid overview of a period of human history that was too long and too varied in location and themes to support a deeper treatment, this book is for you.

A tale for the ages

I enjoyed all the topics covered and the detail provided. Thank you for the listen.

Great History

Great historical overview. I learned a lot, especially about the rise of Islam. It’s a fascinating time.

Great book

Dan Jones never disappoints. He’s so thorough & gives a lively presentation. His books are well researched & interesting to read.

Stars say it all

History telling is hard to get people interested. This guy did a great job. And what a bang for your buck! Miles and miles and miles with this one book!

Brilliantly entertaining

Dan Jones not only is a solid historian but as importantly he is a wonderful narrator of stories. Stories which he masterfully builds based on historical facts and thus traps me non-endlessly.

What a Wonderful Read

Dan Jones is a master writer and storyteller, weaving such an incredible account of the Middle Ages into an inspiring read detailing the various facets of these important years in human history. I highly recommend this book, and the narration by the author is superb. From one grateful listener and reader, Thank You, from the bottom of my heart, Dan Jones!

Quick history

Not a bad book by far but continuous use of street and internet slang make it a poor second to The War of the Roses and others by the same author.

A great history book!

I am a real history nut, and especially love this period. This was a truly great book and really enjoyed the author's read! I highly recommend this book!