The Two Cities: Medieval Europe 1050–1320

By Malcolm Barber

Book Overview

First published to wide critical acclaim in 1992, The Two Cities has become an essential text for students of medieval history. For the second edition, the author has thoroughly revised each chapter, bringing the material up to date and taking the historiography of the past decade into account. The Two Cities covers a colourful period from the schism between the eastern and western churches to the death of Dante. It encompasses key topics such as: the Crusades the expansionist force of the Normans major developments in the way kings, emperors and Popes exercised their powers a great flourishing of art and architecture the foundation of the very first universities. Running through it all is the defining characteristic of the high Middle Ages: the delicate relationship between the spiritual and secular worlds, the two 'cities' of the title. This survey provides all the facts and background information that students need, and is defined into straightforward thematic chapters. It makes extensive use of primary sources, and makes new trends in research accessible to students. Its fresh approach gives students the most rounded, lively and integrated view of the high Middle Ages available. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415096820
• ISBN13: 9780415096829
• Release Date: August 1993
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 616 Pages
• Weight: 4.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Buy the Paperback Version

In my book, "Astronomical Symbols on Ancient and Medieval Coins", I devote a number of chapters to the astronomical symbols that were depicted on medieval coinage as signs of divine right to sovereignty. As part of my research, I read numerous books on medieval history, and I found that Barber's book, "The Two Cities," was of some value. Although there were many items of interest that added to my understanding of the history...

Excellent Overview but a bit tedious at times

If you want a detailed overview of the classic medieval period from the 11th - 14th centuries, this is the book for you. It provides an excellent narrative analysis of Europe's primary players during this period, and the impact/relationship of the church, both in secular and spiritual matters. As the title implies, the book reviews and demonstrates that the secular monarchies of the time and the church were heavily intertwined...