The reign of Edward III is usually remembered for his stirring victories over the French and Scots. Yet these triumphs occurred against a domestic backdrop of economic upheaval, crime, high taxation and the Black Death. Edward's ability to pursue his ambitions amid such challenges shows the effectiveness of his leadership and the resilience of English institutions. This book examines the strains on English life in this remarkable era, and shows how an interlocking network of hierarchies at each level enabled Edward to reach into local communities to get what he needed. Compliance, however,...

Though united nominally by the Church of Rome, medieval Europe was in fact a diverse society, in terms of belief and social practices. This diversity led to controversy and upheaval in the centuries after 1000, as religious authorities demanded greater uniformity and obedience. This book of essays by leading scholars is about the sources of dissent and diversity in medieval society and the Church's attempt to repress dissent and enforce conformity to its beliefs between the years 1000 and 1500. No book has hitherto attempted so broad an approach to the issue of discontent in medieval Europe.

Though united nominally by the Church of Rome, medieval Europe was in fact a diverse society, in terms of belief and social practices. This diversity led to controversy and upheaval in the centuries after 1000, as religious authorities demanded greater uniformity and obedience. This book of essays by leading scholars is about the sources of dissent and diversity in medieval society and the Church's attempt to repress dissent and enforce conformity to its beliefs between the years 1000 and 1500. No book has hitherto attempted so broad an approach to the issue of discontent in medieval Europe.