Later Medieval Europe 1250-1520

Summary: 'Later Medieval Europe' is the classic introduction to this period. "The historian must use his art to explain. This is precisely what Mr Waley does, approaching deliberately from several different angles: political, economic, religious, artistic and intellectual. He quotes contemporary sources in lively translation. Above all he is guided by a central thread, which is the growth of power in the state and the reflect...ion of this in the development of political ideas." The Times Educational Supplement The book opens with a description of monarchies and city states in the thirteenth century, and draws to a close with a contrasting account of political philosophies current at the time of Machiavelli, and how they related to the conditions of the early sixteenth century. From the divine right of kings to the unification of Spain, the account takes in a whole period and an entire continent. This extensively revised and expanded third edition includes even greater use of contemporary voices, full reading lists, and new chapters on East Central Europe and Portuguese exploration which take the narrative beyond the confines of western Europe. Daniel Waley is a former Professor of History at the University of London and Keeper of Manuscripts at the British Library. Peter Denley teaches at Queen Mary, University of London. [read more]