Medieval Horizons: Why the Middle Ages Matter

In Medieval Horizons, Ian Mortimer challenges the conventional view of the Middle Ages as a dark and unchanging time by demonstrating how people's horizons expanded, knowledge, experience, and understanding of the world transformed, and life was utterly transformed between 1000 and 1600, marking the transition from a warrior-led society to that of Shakespeare.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The Middle Ages are often portrayed as a dark, backward, and unchanging era characterized by violence, ignorance, and superstition. However, this perception is far from accurate. As Ian Mortimer demonstrates in his captivating book, Medieval Horizons, the people's horizons expanded significantly during this period. Between 1000 and 1600, a remarkable transformation occurred, leading to the transition from a warrior-led society to the world of Shakespeare. Just as "The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England" shed light on life in the fourteenth century, Medieval Horizons serves as an essential primer for understanding the entire era. It outlines the profound cultural changes that took place, encompassing areas such as literacy, living standards, inequality, and the emerging sense of self. By correcting misconceptions and presenting the Middle Ages as a revolutionary age of fundamental importance in the development of the Western world, this book offers a fresh perspective on a period often overlooked or misunderstood.

Ian Mortimer, hailed as the most remarkable medieval historian of our time by The Times, brings his unparalleled expertise to Medieval Horizons. Through his engaging writing and meticulous research, Mortimer transports readers back to this fascinating period, providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Middle Ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the past, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal era.

In conclusion, Medieval Horizons by Ian Mortimer is a groundbreaking work that challenges prevailing misconceptions and presents the Middle Ages as a transformative and revolutionary period. By expanding our knowledge, experience, and understanding of the world, this book helps us to appreciate the rich tapestry of history that has shaped our world today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities and significance of this fascinating era.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529920802