New Medieval Books: Son of Prophecy
This biography of Henry Tudor delves into his ancestry, tracing his lineage across several generations before detailing his path to the English throne. The book places a particular emphasis on the Tudors’ Welsh heritage and connections.
New Medieval Books: The Teutonic Knights
The Teutonic Knights, a prominent military order, were active primarily in the Baltic region but also played a significant role in the Near East and Transylvania. This book explores their origins, rise to regional dominance, and eventual decline.
New Medieval Books: Diary of a Black Jewish Messiah
This book presents a translation of a fascinating and highly unusual 16th-century text: the diary of a self-proclaimed Jewish leader—though he was likely a con artist—who traveled across Europe meeting with rulers as part of a scheme to wage war against the Ottoman Empire. Even after reading this diary, you may still find yourself questioning who this enigmatic figure truly was and what his ultimate goals might have been.
New Medieval Books: Letters of the Princes of Wallachia
A collection of 76 letters and charters from 15th-century Wallachian rulers, including eight letters penned by Vlad III, the notorious prince who inspired the legend of ‘Dracula.’
New Medieval Books: El Cid
The original Rodrigo Diaz was a mercenary who fought for Christian and Muslim rulers, and for himself. This book tracks how, over the centuries, this figure becomes El Cid, the Christian and Spanish hero.
New Medieval Books: An Introduction to Jean Bodel
Those studying medieval literature will enjoy having this excellent biography of a somewhat under-appreciated twelfth-century writer.
New Medieval Books: The Beauty of Ugliness and the Ugliness of Beauty
A collection of five essays exploring the significance of physical appearance in the Middle Ages. Delving into law and literature, this work sheds light on how medieval people perceived and interpreted physical traits, revealing deeper insights into their society and culture.
New Medieval Books: The Damietta Crusade, 1217-1221
The Fifth Crusade saw European forces launch an ambitious invasion of Egypt. This book delves into the military dimensions of the campaign, examining the grand strategy of the Crusaders and the tactical manoeuvres employed during the protracted siege of Damietta, which spanned over 18 months.
New Medieval Books: Medieval Women and Urban Justice
What can medieval court records reveal about the lives of women? This book examines the legal disputes involving women in three English towns, uncovering their roles in cases ranging from debts and trade regulations to local trespass laws and public disorder.
New Medieval Books: The Latin Continuation of William of Tyre
As part of the Crusade Texts in Translation series, this account chronicles events in the Near East from 1184 through the conclusion of the Third Crusade. Written by an anonymous author reflecting on these events, the text explores the reasons behind the crusaders’ failure to achieve their goals.
New Medieval Books: Medieval Literature: An Introduction to Type-Scenes
In medieval literature, one can find many scene types—familiar moments or sequences in a story, much like tropes. This book explores over thirty of these, such as acquiring a magic ring, the hero obtaining their weapon, or encountering a wise woman.
10 Open Access Books about the Middle Ages you can Read for Free
Here are ten books published in 2024 that medievalists will enjoy and are free to download and read.
New Medieval Books: On Niccolò Machiavelli
An introduction to the life and writings of Niccolò Machiavelli. The book aims to to explain how this medieval Italian writer conveyed his political ideas and the links between his works that others have often missed.
New Medieval Books: Medical Writings from Early Medieval England
What was the state of medical knowledge in England in the Early Middle Ages? This book provides texts and translations of several works that delve into ailments and their treatments, showcasing a fascinating blend of medicinal practices, magical remedies, and religious beliefs.
New Medieval Books: The Fell Deeds of Fate
The first book in The Saga of Hasting the Accursed series, this historical novel is set in the eighth century and follows a Viking warrior as he makes an epic journey across Europe.
New Medieval Books: Giants in the Medieval City
In the Late Middle Ages, particularly in German-speaking lands, the perception of giants underwent a notable transformation—from monstrous and malevolent figures to noble and heroic ones. This book explores numerous examples where giants, and those considered “gigantic,” evolved into celebrated hometown heroes.
New Medieval Books: An Introduction to Literary Debate in Late Medieval France
Just like us, medieval people enjoyed analysing and discussing their literature. This book explores the lively discussions surrounding two renowned works from medieval France.
New Medieval Books: The Emergence of Arabic Poetry
Offering a fresh look at the origins and development of Arabic poetry, this book argues that pre-Islamic poetry reflected regional identities and that later Islamic scholars favoured a specific style to define a unified Arab culture.
New Medieval Books: Oathbreakers
An exploration of the Carolingian Empire’s collapse into civil war, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Fontenay in 841. This decisive conflict reshaped the political landscape of Europe, leaving a lasting legacy.
New Medieval Books: The Crusades and the Far-Right in the Twenty-First Century
The five essays in this collection explore how the Crusades continue to serve as a powerful historical symbol within Far-Right extremism. This influence is evident in acts of terrorism, political movements like Brexit, and even in cultural phenomena such as the Assassin’s Creed video games.
New Medieval Books: A Brief Life of Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas stands as a pivotal figure in the medieval history of Christianity. This biography of the 13th-century theologian, penned by one of the foremost experts on Aquinas, offers deep insight into his life and legacy.
New Medieval Books: The Latin Lives of St Laurence of Dublin
Lorcán Ua Tuathail, known in English as Laurence O’Toole, was a 12th-century Archbishop of Dublin. This book presents editions of four texts about his life, two of which are also translated into English
New Medieval Books: Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife
This book offers an insightful exploration of the lives of women in medieval Western Europe, delving into the stories of remarkable figures like Marie de France, Julian of Norwich, Christine de Pizan, and Margery Kempe.
New Medieval Books: What is Medieval?
What is Medieval?: Decoding Approaches to the Medieval and Medievalism in the 21st Century Edited by Claire Kennan & Emma J. Wells Brepols…