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The Medieval World

Written by: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
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Publisher's Summary

Far from being a time of darkness, the Middle Ages was an essential period in the grand narrative of Western history. But what was it like to actually live in those extraordinary times? Now you can find out.

These 36 lectures provide a different perspective on the society and culture of the Middle Ages - one that entrenches you in the daily human experience of living during this underappreciated era. Drawing on history, literature, the arts, technology, and science, these lectures will deepen the way you understand not only the Middle Ages but everything that came afterward: From the Renaissance, to the Enlightenment, to your own world.

Filled with amazing insights, this series brings you closer than ever before to life as it was lived and felt. You'll meet the likes of William Caxton, England's first printer who not only printed and distributed a variety of works but also often had to translate them himself; learn about Hugh of Payns and the role of his Knights Templar - organized for the protection of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem - in the creation of the first modern bank; see how communities dealt with marriage in a time when the church had not yet drawn this institution into its orbit; and much more.

Rich with information and period detail (including revealing examples of medieval literature from the English, French, Norse, Icelandic, and Italian worlds), these lectures will dramatically increase your understanding of how lives in the Middle Ages were really lived.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses

What listeners say about The Medieval World

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The passion the prof has for her area of expertise is palpable

Learned a lot and enjoyed this very much. Engaging and short lectures - recommended. I’m definitely going to listen to all of her courses on Audible.

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Excellent!

Vivid, impassioned, erudite, knowledgeable, and entertaining. Excellent content and presentation. I highly recommend this book.

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Very listenable and worthwhile

I loved this lecture series and will probably listen to it again. Dr Armstrong does a great job of framing her descriptions and explanations so you don't have to remember every detail as you go. I feel like I have a much better understanding of the medieval period and the lead into the early modern period.

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Would be good listening on a road trip!

Super interesting and easy to listen to. It’s not too academic or heavy but satisfies the curiosity of the average person interested in the Middle Ages. It would be good listening for on a road trip with like minded people.

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History light

I find Dorsey's works too simplistic and repetitive. she spends too much time chatting about what she is going to say, rather than just saying it.

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Fantastic stories

Really enjoyed this lecture. Dorsey Armstrong is a great presenter with a nice pace of talking and includes lots of fun information. Definitely recommend!

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Amazing

Dorsey does such an amazing job of presenting information in a way that’s fun and educational. I wish I could taker her lectures in person.

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It should be called the Medieval Europe or the Medieval Western Europe

A lot of wrong pronunciation of names and locations when it comes to the east, this title mainly focus on the Europe and Western Europe and pass it as entire world. Ignorance is a bliss

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very well presented

well presented and informative, covers a great range of topics that would require a course each. good starting point!

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Educational

Very informative with good pacing, and the narrator is clear and concise. Nice for a listen while doing other things like going for a walk or playing minecraft.

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