Norman F. Cantor - The Civilization of the Middle Ages

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Språk: Engelsk
Vekt: 1,002
Sider: 604
Trykket i: 1993
Illustrert: Nei
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Oppdatert: 04.02.2026
Internkode: HAA74

Originally published in 1963 and later significantly revised, The Civilization of the Middle Ages stands as one of the most widely read synthesis of medieval history in the English language. Unlike traditional textbooks that focus heavily on dates and battles, Cantor emphasizes the intellectual, cultural, and religious shifts that defined the era from AD 300 to 1500.

Key Features of the Work

• Narrative Sweep: The book covers the synthesis of Roman, Christian, and Germanic traditions, tracking the rise and eventual decline of the medieval world-view.
• Intellectual Focus: Cantor prioritizes the "history of ideas," exploring how philosophical movements like Scholasticism and legal developments shaped European governance.
• Biographical Portraits: A hallmark of Cantor’s style is his use of vivid biographical sketches, bringing to life figures from St. Augustine to Eleanor of Aquitaine.
• Modern Relevance: He frequently draws parallels between medieval social structures and modern institutional problems, making the distant past feel immediate.

Reception and Impac

The book is often praised for its literary flair and accessibility. According to HarperCollins Publishers, it remains a foundational text because it incorporates social history, including the roles of women and minorities, which were often overlooked in earlier historiography. While some academics have criticized Cantor for being overly opinionated or selective, the book remains a staple on university syllabi and reading lists for general history enthusiasts.