Medieval Writings

The old Duke of Brittany had vacillated for years over who would succeed him and finally settles in his will on his half-brother, John de Montfort. But the years of vacillation had left others believing the ducal crown would pass to them, and no one understands this better than Montfort's wife, Jeanne de Flandre. When the schemes and political maneuvers of the Countess of Penthièvre land Montfort in the French king's prison, it falls to Jeanne to defend his rights to the duchy and protect their son's patrimony.

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is of immense importance to the culture of the Indian subcontinent and is a major text of Hinduism. Its discussion of human goals (artha or 'purpose', kama or 'pleasure', dharma or 'duty' and moksha or 'liberation') takes place in a long-standing tradition, attempting to explain the relationship of the individual to society and the world (the nature of the 'self') and the workings of karma.

This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in subsequent ages. The Latin title, De Rerum Natura, translates literally to On the Nature of Things and is meant to impress the reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.

Anselm of Canterbury: The Monk Who Shaped Medieval Thought Unlock the secrets of a mind that bridged faith and reason, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of medieval thought. Dive into the life and legacy of Anselm of Canterbury, a scholar whose ideas continue to resonate through the ages. Discover the Life of a Visionary From his humble beginnings in Aosta to his rise as Archbishop of Canterbury, Anselm’s journey is one of relentless pursuit of truth and knowledge. Immerse yourself in the historical context of the 11th century, a time of great upheaval and transformation for the ...

Along with Virgil, Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) was the greatest poet produced by Rome, and in many ways his work has had arguably an even greater impact. His brilliant expression and astonishing acumen continue to amaze readers today, either in their original Latin or in innumerable worldwide translations. Shakespeare's debt to Horace is incalculable, and it is difficult to read his Sonnets today without immediately being reminded of the famous Odes.

Ostensibly written by an English knight, The Book of Marvels and Travels claim to recount his experiences in Egypt, the Levant, India, and China. It describes a journey from Europe to Jerusalem and further into Asia, and the many weird and wonderful peoples and practices of the East. The author claims to have traveled in land populated by Amazons, dog-headed people, cannibals, one-footed tribes, and Pygmies.

The history of Western thought contains hundreds of statements by philosophers testifying to the use of esoteric writing in their own work or others'. Despite this well-documented history, however, esotericism is often dismissed today as a rare occurrence. But by ignoring esotericism, we risk cutting ourselves off from a full understanding of Western philosophical thought. Arthur M. Melzer serves as our guide in this engaging history of philosophical esotericism. Walking listeners through both an ancient and a modern esoteric work, he explains what esotericism is - and is not.

Of all the Catholic Church’s great saints, few are as venerated as Saint Francis of Assisi. The founder of one of the largest religious orders in the Catholic Church today, his is a story that captivates the faithful and historians alike. This biographical work is a window into that incredible tale. Author Nick Pascoe unspools the remarkable story of the saint and his Franciscan Order with captivating prose and thorough historical research. Delve into the history of Saint Francis in The Canticle of the Sun: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Birth of the Franciscan Order by Nick ...

Once upon a time an Indian writer name Amitav Ghosh set out to find an Indian slave, name unknown, who some 700 years before had traveled to the Middle East. The journey took him to a small village in Egypt, where medieval customs coexist with 20th-century desires and discontents. But even as Ghosh sought to re-create the life of his Indian predecessor, he found himself immersed in those of his modern Egyptian neighbors.

Set in 14th-century Germany under the crushing weight of the Holy Roman Empire, the story reveals the brutal toll exacted on the lower classes. While nobles and corrupt clergy hoard power and wealth—often enforced by mercenaries and violent knights—families like the Symons must fight to survive. The story picks up after Yakov’s Run, where the three Symon siblings—Yakov, Anna, and Dieter—were torn apart. Yakov, once a soldier under the ruthless Petres the Chain, begins to see through the lies of power and longs to return to the life he lost.

Journeying alongside scholars, spies and saints, from western Europe to the Far East and the Antipodes, this is no ordinary travel guide. From profane pilgrim badges and Venetian laxatives to encounters with bandits and trysts with mysterious medieval witches, this book mixes fact and folklore to offer an entertaining encyclopaedia of wondrous stories and peoples. Offering a vivid and unforgettable insight into how medieval people understood their world, A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages blurs the distinction between real and imagined places.

This highly entertaining travelogue from a bestselling author follows the adventures of a couple on their 102-mile hike along Britain’s famous Cotswold Way. Wendy and David, escaping the routine of home life, embark on a journey of wonder and discovery. It is one filled with romance, exquisite beauty, hilarious mishaps, and far more adventure than they had bargained for. Join them in the magic and fulfillment of this delightful journey from Chipping Campden in the north to the stunning city of Bath in the south. Wander through wildflower fields of kaleidoscopic colour, enter entranced ...

Convinced that the prizes in his long game-the riches of Aleffe Province and King Denis's great port on the Southern Sea-are now within his grasp, the Teuton king has finally shown his cards. He's confident Denis's youth and inexperience mean he'll be no match for the might of the Teuton army, especially if he can be isolated. To that end, the Teuton has already taken steps to prevent Denis's ally in the south from joining the fray. All that's left is to neutralize Alfred-and the Teuton is certain he's found the perfect way to do that.

Geoffrey, Alfred's heir, and Denis, King of the Kingdom Across the Southern Sea. Two young men soon to come of age. One, having doubts as he comes to grips with the enormity of what his future holds; the other, eager to end the regency and rule in his own right. Both relying on Alfred's guidance as each birthday marks another milestone in the lives they're destined to lead.

In The Role of the Scroll, Thomas Forrest Kelly brings to life the most interesting scrolls in medieval history, placing them in the context of those who made, commissioned, and used them, and reveals their remarkably varied uses. Scrolls were the best way to keep ever-expanding lists, for example, those of debtors. Kelly explores the scroll's incredible diversity. A recipe for turning everyday metal into gold offers a glimpse into medieval alchemy, and a log of gifts for Queen Elizabeth I showcases royal flattery and patronage.

Two Years Before the Mast is an 1840 memoir by the author Richard Henry Dana. A Harvard graduate, he spent the years 1834 to 1836 as a sailor on a merchant ship on a voyage from Boston to California. The journey took them past Cape Horn on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet. Dana provides detailed descriptions of ship life and the technical aspects of sailing. A chapter on California and its inhabitants offers valuable historical insights on the state which was then a foreign land.

After three long years of war and disruptions, Alfred hopes for a time of peace and tranquility. A time to devote his energy to bettering the lives of his people, to focus on what the future holds for his children, to nurture his alliances, and to see his previous endeavors bear fruit. But even the home front has bumps in the road. The campaign to suppress Teuton aggression has been costly, Lord Meriden's threat to disrupt the kingdom shows no sign of abating, and Nerrick's growing negativity casts a shadow over the mutual defense plans with the Territories.

In spring 1095, Christian and Emelye make love for the first time. When it is announced Christian must fulfill his obligation to marry Lady Arianna the lovers know their dream of bring together is over. Months later Emelye realizes she is with child but refuses to tell anyone who the father is and is exiled from the home and family she loves. Emelye suffers the ultimate pain a mother can feel and is left without the man she loves and the child they created. The arrival of Christian and his newborn daughter gives Emelye a purpose. Christian is being forced to join the crusade and decides to ...

Coming to his senses in a place he's never seen before, Alfred discovers he has survived the deadly sickness sweeping the land and has also managed, quite by accident, to find his family. But he's also a traitor to the crown for desertion on the field of battle, so he and his family must live in complete seclusion in a remote corner of Gwen's homeland.

Isabella wants to come home—a rather innocuous request—unless you're the king and Isabella is the aunt whose mental instability led her own father to banish her from the kingdom. Her arrival, unbidden, on the steps of the castle opens old wounds and forces Alfred to examine his grandfather's decision.