From Library Journal
Holmes et al. have produced an attractive account of medieval Europe from the fall of Rome to the eve of the Reformation. This popular history, well-written by professional historians, is for the intelligent general reader. The book conveys a good sense of the movement of events and the succession of great people, and it catches the economic, social, and intellectual structures which underpinned events. Noteworthy among the well-conceived chapters is Malcolm Vale's discussion of "the eclipse of ecclesiastical power . . . especially papal power . . . and the expansion and elaboration of secular rule." Holmes concludes that this fragmented era laid the groundwork for the fertile period that followed. Maps, charts, and illustrations deserve high praise. Highly recommended. David Keymer, CUNY Coll. of Technology, Utica
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
'The individual chapters are scholarly and up to the minute, without loss of accessibility or pace. The illustrations are many, apposite and refreshingly unhackneyed.' Times Literary Supplement
'In this beautifully illustrated collection of essays the editor and his six collaborators present a picture of that civilization which is well written and well presented.' Contemporary Review
'The rich diversity of the period is admirably conveyed ... and visually enhanced by hundreds of the fine illustrations. With maps, chronology and a comprehensive reading-list, this attractively produced reference book will appeal to a wide readership.' David L. Edwards, Church Times
'the contributors have lucidity as well as learning in common. This book will make a good companion for sightseeing trips abroad.' Bob Marshall, Bookseller
'Among the individual contributors the palm goes to Edward James for his masterly survey of northern Europe 400-900 ... The illustrations have been well selected and excellently reproduced' James Howard-Johnston, Sunday Times
'The individual chapters are scholarly and up to the minute, without loss of accessibility or pace. The illustrations are many, apposite, and refreshingly unhackneyed.' Times Literary Supplement
'a splendid volume, presenting contemporary scholarship to the general reader with care, grace, much thought and many illustrations; filled with things that most general readers won't know at all, and that many specialist readers won't have thought of' London Review of Books
'With over 200 magnificent illustrations, this is likely to become a standard introduction to the subject.' Good Book Guide
'ambitious and informative' History Today
'The volume is full of splendid illustrations, some in full colour, many of them unusual, and these make a notable contribution to the quality of the book. We should be grateful to the entire production team, and not least to the printers, for having done an outstanding job in making available a volume which deserves to sell well at the very reasonable price at which it has been published.' French History
'This is a very fine book - surely one of the best of its kind so far produced.' Journal of Medieval History
'The Oxford History is a magnificent counter to the trick of patronising the past, and the fearful gadzookery by which our forebears are made to look simple, if not outright stupid. It's superb.' Barbara Jeferis, The Independent Monthly
'The illustrations are lavish, well-chosen and with informative captions, to convey an impression of the material culture of the age. Useful maps and a chronological table round off the volume. There are many good things in this volume ... As an attractive companion to the middle ages this work has its value.' Nicholas Hooper, Bradford Grammar School, History No. 243
About the Author
About the Editor:
George Holmes is a Fellow of St. Catherine's College, Oxford. His previous books include Dante and Florence, Rome, and the Origins of the Renaissance.
