'For years, leaders of undergraduate courses on the central Middle Ages have longed for a book like this; a single volume which supplies useful outline reference material as an adjunct to a clear and wide ranging analysis of complex events, and one which presents a rounded view of the different aspects of the period, on association with a bountiful supply of relevant primary sources in translation... a real tour de force.' - Times Higher Education Supplement 'Malcolm Barber has succeeded admirably... a fine book... should find a wide and grateful readership.' - History 'a valuable...