New Medieval Books: Laywomen and the Crusade in England, 1150-1300
The Crusades enjoyed widespread support in Western Europe, and efforts on the home front were focused on mobilizing fighters for the Holy Land. This book explores the role of women in England in encouraging men to take up the Cross.
Sin and Creativity in the Middle Ages: New Book Explores Medieval German Devotional Writing
A new book by Sarah Bowden explores how sin and penance inspired literary creativity in medieval Germany, offering fresh insights into devotional writing and the development of the German language.
New Medieval Books: The Magic Books
Medieval people were interested in accessing secret knowledge like magic, divination and astrology. This book examines over 20 works from the period that deals with these topics, revealing what they say (and what they show) about these topics.
Last Man Standing: Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys
C.I. Leah previews his new book that examines the complex legacy of Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, the Welsh prince who aligned with England to preserve his power. Was he a traitor—or the last man standing in a fractured medieval Wales?
New Medieval Books: Merovingian Worlds
This book offers an overview of the Merovingian realm, roughly what is now France and parts of neighbouring Western Europe during the 5th to 8th centuries.
New Medieval Books: Inventing the Renaissance
The typical portrayal of Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries is that it was a great era in which everyone produced even greater art. However, this book reveals that the ‘Renaissance’ was not so great after all, as the period was marked by political turmoil, warfare, and tragedy.
New Medieval Books: The Queens and Royal Women of Sweden, c. 970–1330
Over thirty Swedish queens are profiled in this book, the first major study of royal women in Sweden between the 10th and 14th centuries. It offers new insights into the evolution of medieval queenship.
New Medieval Books: The Vikings in Poland
Drawing on a wide range of archaeological evidence, this book offers a detailed reconstruction of the Norse presence in the region of present-day Poland. It sheds new light on their material culture, religion, and interactions with both local populations and the emerging Polish state.
New Medieval Books: Enchanted Creatures
A journey through humanity’s long fascination with the monstrous, ranging from dragons to walruses. This book explores how cultures across time have imagined, exaggerated, and feared creatures both real and mythical.
New Medieval Books: Byzantine Dress
This book presents eleven essays exploring clothing and fashion in the Byzantine Empire. Together, they reveal the diverse ways medieval people dressed—and how their garments often carried deep cultural, social, and symbolic significance.
New Medieval Books: Ibn Khaldūn: Political Thought
Thirty-five selections from the writings of the 14th-century thinker Ibn Khaldūn, these translated texts reveal his thoughts on history, the state, cities and more.
New Medieval Books: Inside the Stargazer’s Palace
In the final decades of the Middle Ages and into the 16th century, Europe experienced a renewed emphasis on scientific inquiry. This book explores that transformation—especially in the field of astronomy—through the lives and work of figures such as John Dee and Tycho Brahe.
New Medieval Books: Waltharius
This early medieval epic, set during the time of Attila the Hun, follows three hostages—two men and a woman—who are sent to his court. Both in its original Latin and in English translation, the tale weaves together themes of violence, friendship, and loyalty.
New Medieval Books: Medieval Love Letters
Did medieval men and women write about their love for one another? This book offers several texts and translations of real and somewhat fictional correspondence, showing that even in the Middle Ages the pen could open up the heart.
New Medieval Books: A Quest for God and Spices
This novel begins the tale of two men – an older monk and a young merchant – as they set out to find Presbyter John, a mysterious king in the Far East. Intrigue and danger are on this journey as well, as others scheme to gain wealth and power at the expense of our travellers.
Seven Cambridge Elements Books that Medievalists Can Download for Free
The Cambridge Elements Series has recently released seven thought-provoking books that delve into different aspects of medieval life, thought, and global connections.
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.