Power Middle Ages

"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."—Wall Street Journal "A lively history . . . [Jones] has managed...

The idea of a powerful woman in the Middle Ages seems like an oxymoron. Females in this time are imagined to be damsels in distress, trapped in a high tower, and waiting for knights to rescue them, all while wearing traffic-cones for a hat. After rescue, their lives improved little. Their career choices were to be either docile queens, housewives, or be burned at the stake for witchcraft. But what if this image of medieval women is a complete fiction? It turns out that it is. Powerful female rulers fill the Middle Ages.

The Middle Ages were dubbed the "Dark Ages" almost before they had begun to draw to a close. Ever since then, they have continued to be seen as a time of hardship and oppression, full of popes and crusades. In the second volume of 2,000 Years of Christ's Power, another side of the Middle Ages shines through though: The continual workings of Christ as he built his kingdom through figures such as Thomas a Kempis and John Wycliffe, who lived and struggled during these centuries. This was far from a period of stagnation; rather it was the fire from which the Reformation was kindled.

A breathtaking, enchanting series from Jessica Townsend, about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world—but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination. Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's...

An award-winning journalist tells the inspiring story of her unlikely midlife journey to master the daunting sport of obstacle course racing—a powerful, science-based account of the change possible at any age when we push limits. “This story of personal transformation is thrilling...

The lives of the sons of Eleanor of Aquitaine are the stuff of legend. Her daughters, however, are less well known, and the fascinating personalities of her daughters-in-law have been almost entirely overlooked, as have those of the daughters she bore Louis VII of France. The Families of Eleanor of Aquitaine redresses this balance and showcases the lives, travels, and careers of these ten very different women, who formed a great international network of political alliances that linked their parents, siblings, husbands, and children all across Europe and the Holy Land.

Acclaimed, mega-bestselling Eoin Colfer, named "a master storyteller" by School Library Journal, returns to the world of Juniper Lane for a lively new adventure! This time, Juniper takes off on a summertime quest in a story sure to delight young listeners all year round. Juniper and her loyal...

The thrilling third book in Chris Colfer's #1 New York Times bestselling A Tale of Magic... series Brystal Evergreen is running out of time. It’s been almost a year since she made a deal with Death to find and destroy the Immortal in exchange for her life. But she still hasn’t found a single...

A friend's betrayal is a sharper wound than a rival's tooth. The adventure continues in Book 2 of the Whispering Wilderness Trilogy, a heart-stopping new chapter in the series that has captured the imagination of young readers. The sanctuary is finally at peace. Or so it seems. Under Kira’s leadership, the forest has begun to heal, and a fragile unity has taken root. But that peace shatters when a friend vanishes in the dead of night. The only thing left behind is a cryptic note—and a choice that will tear the pack in two. Kira sees a desperate cry for help. Her best friend, Terra, sees...

In the tradition of Why Nations Fail, this book solves one of the great puzzles of history: Why did the West become the most powerful civilization in the world? Western exceptionalism—the idea that European civilizations are freer, wealthier, and less violent—is a widespread and powerful...

Another adventurous, historical, magical romance from the RITA-nominated author of eighteen award-winning romances She can read every mind . . . except his Gifted with faery blood, Cairenn is blessed and cursed with the ability to read minds, until a naked, half-dead Highland warrior washes up on the shore of her remote island. Challenged by the wall between them, Cairenn nurses him back to life as she tries to pierce his thoughts without succumbing to his charm. For only a fool would fall in love with a man whose world she cannot inhabit, and whose heart she cannot know.... "Lisa Ann Verge...

*NOW A NETFLIX SERIES* In this spine-tingling next book of the Lockwood & Co series, the ghost-hunting gang take on terrifying new challenges. In the six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England, Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. Quill...

What do you think of when you consider the Middle Ages? Knights in armor and damsels in distress? Vikings plundering monasteries? Religious dissenters burning at the stake? The dead bodies piling up as war, famine, and plague devastated Europe? Think again. While all these are part of the tapestry of the medieval era, the threads of politics, personality and war, culture, religion, education and the arts are vastly more intricate and fascinating.

16 years of peace and prosperity have passed since Lord Otori Takeo united the Three Countries. Takeo and his beloved consort, Kaede, have three daughters and a happy family life. Their success has attracted the attention of the distant Emperor and his general, the warlord Saga Hideki, who covet the wealth of the Countries. Meanwhile, the violent acts and betrayals of the past will not lie buried, and other secrets will not stay hidden. Everything that Takeo and Kaede have achieved is threatened.

In this indispensable volume, one of America's ranking scholars combines a life's work of research and teaching with the art of lively narration. Both authoritative and beautifully told, The Middle Ages is the full story of the thousand years between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance - a time that saw the rise of kings and emperors, the flowering of knighthood, the development of Europe, the increasing power of the Catholic Church, and the advent of the middle class.

Every song has a secret. Every voice holds a power. When Alice Jones returned from the magical realm of Reminu, she thought her adventure was over. But her voice—once just a talent—now stirs something ancient and dangerous. Her mother, Emma, is still trapped in the Dark Fortress of Seth, a sorcerer whose hunger for the Book of Thoth could destroy both worlds. When strange melodies begin haunting Alice’s dreams, she discovers her song might be the key to saving her mother—and stopping Seth forever. As her brother Davis trains to fight beside their father, and their wisecracking dog ...

From a New York Times bestselling author: our beloved heroine battles a new evil as a strange, frightening illness takes hold of Nevermoor in this captivating and heart-pounding tale. Morrigan Crow and her friends have survived their first year as proud scholars of the elite Wundrous Society...

*NOW A NETFLIX SERIES* In this spine-tingling next book of the Lockwood & Co series, the ghost-hunting gang take on terrifying new challenges. As a massive outbreak of supernatural Visitors baffles Scotland Yard and causes protests throughout London, Lockwood & Co. continue to demonstrate their...

The captivating and heart-pounding sequel to the New York Times bestselling follows heroine Morrigan as she battles a new evil.​ Morrigan Crow and her best friend Hawthorne Swift are now proud scholars in the elite Wundrous Society, but life is far from perfect. Does Morrigan have what it...

Get ready for a wild and wacky adventure in "The Brown Note: The Epic Poop-tastic Quest!" Meet Tommy, a young inventor with big dreams of winning "The Young Inventor of the Year Competition." But there's just one problem – all his inventions are total duds! Tommy's quest for a winning idea takes a hilarious twist when he stumbles upon something unexpected. On his way home from school one day, Tommy discovers an old keyboard hidden in a pile of junk. But this isn't your ordinary keyboard – it's contains the legendary Brown Note! And this note has some seriously stinky surprises in store....