Books on Medieval Europe

Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It by Dr. Janina Ramirez is a groundbreaking exploration that will transform your perception of medieval history. This instant Sunday Times bestseller and Cundill History Prize longlisted work brilliantly uncovers...

The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price is a captivating exploration that redefines our understanding of Viking history. This remarkable narrative invites readers to embark on a profound journey through the complexities of Scandinavian culture and the...

Step into the intriguing realm of history with Medieval Horizons: Why the Middle Ages Matter by the renowned author Ian Mortimer. This enlightening book serves as a compelling gift for history enthusiasts eager to unravel the truth behind a transformative era often clouded by...

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time with River Kings: The Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads by Dr. Cat Jarman, a captivating Sunday Times bestseller and The Times History Book of 2021. This enthralling work delves deep into Viking history, offering an...

The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability by Annette Kehnel offers a groundbreaking exploration into the sustainable practices of the Middle Ages, challenging modern assumptions about historical environmental stewardship. This compelling book reveals how medieval societies implemented innovative solutions to address their ecological challenges,...

A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara Tuchman is a captivating journey through medieval Europe, offering a profound exploration of an era that intricately shaped the continent's history. This masterful narrative uncovers the duality of the 14th century, a time marked by...

Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton invites readers into a captivating exploration of the world of the magus, those learned magicians who significantly influenced the intellectual revival during the Renaissance. This fascinating narrative unveils how these enigmatic figures...

The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by acclaimed historian Professor Peter Frankopan is an enlightening exploration that redefines our understanding of global history. This remarkable work invites readers on a captivating journey through the ancient trade routes that linked the East...

Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women by Hetta Howes offers an enthralling exploration into the often-overlooked narratives of women who shaped medieval history. This captivating work invites readers to delve into the lives of four remarkable figures—Marie de France, Julian...

Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age by Eleanor Barraclough offers an illuminating perspective into the lives of Vikings, revealing a rich tapestry of stories beyond the familiar narratives of kings and warriors. This non-fiction masterpiece not only captures the imagination...

Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic by Tabitha Stanmore invites readers on an enchanting exploration of medieval magic, weaving an intricate tapestry of the lives of cunning folk who played a pivotal role in society. This captivating non-fiction work delves into...

Millennium: The End of the World and the Forging of Christendom by Tom Holland is an enthralling exploration of a transformative era in European history, inviting readers to delve into the profound societal shifts that occurred around the year 1000 AD. This captivating narrative...

Joan of Arc by the esteemed historian and broadcaster Helen Castor presents a riveting new perspective on the life of one of history's most iconic figures. This captivating biography falls within the Non-Fiction category, specifically exploring the realms of History and Historic Biographies. Castor's...

On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy by Simon Critchley is a profound exploration that invites readers to reconsider the nature of consciousness and experience. In this significant work, Critchley delves into the depths of mysticism, describing it as “experience at its most intense form,”...

Siena: The Life and Afterlife of a Medieval City by Jane Stevenson invites readers on an extraordinary voyage through one of Italy's most enchanting cities. This insightful book delves into Siena’s remarkable transformation from a formidable medieval republic to a vibrant modern community, combining...

The Story of Scandinavia: From the Vikings to Social Democracy by Stein Ringen offers an enthralling exploration of over 1,200 years of Scandinavian history, weaving together narratives of conquest, culture, and political evolution. This captivating non-fiction work stands out in the history genre by...

Shakespeare's Sisters: Four Women Who Wrote the Renaissance by Ramie Targoff is a groundbreaking exploration of the lives of four remarkable women who defied societal norms during Shakespeare's era. This compelling narrative transports readers from the opulent coronation of Queen Elizabeth to the hidden...

Eleanor Of Aquitaine: By the Wrath of God, Queen of England by Alison Weir is an enthralling biography that delves into the life of one of history's most formidable women. This meticulously crafted work uncovers the journey of Eleanor, the Duchess of Aquitaine, who...

Montaillou: Cathars and Catholics in a French Village 1294-1324 by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie is a groundbreaking exploration of life in a medieval French village, offering readers a rare window into the past during a time of deep religious conflict. This compelling narrative intricately...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of History in Flames: The Destruction and Survival of Medieval Manuscripts by Robert Bartlett. This enlightening book takes you on a profound journey through the tumultuous events that have led to the tragic loss of invaluable historical records,...

In Patrick: From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer, renowned author Alannah Hopkin takes readers on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of St. Patrick, one of history's most celebrated saints. This book explores how a figure rooted in faith has transformed into...

The Bookseller of Florence: Vespasiano da Bisticci and the Manuscripts that Illuminated the Renaissance by Dr. Ross King is a captivating exploration of a pivotal era where literature and art flourished in the heart of Italy. This remarkable narrative delves into the life of...

Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century by Helen Carr takes readers on an enthralling journey through one of the most transformative periods in British history. This captivating narrative delves into the intricate tapestry of the fourteenth century, illuminating the social, political,...

Sceptred Isle: A new history of the fourteenth century by Helen Carr takes readers on a riveting journey through a transformative era in English history. This signed edition offers a compelling narrative that begins with the death of Edward I in 1307, marking the...

Florence: A Traveller's Reader by Edward Chaney is the ultimate guide that immerses readers in the vibrant cultural tapestry of one of the world’s most beloved cities. This captivating collection unearths the rich and glorious past of Florence through a unique anthology of letters,...

Eleanor: A 200-mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen by Alice Loxton invites readers on an extraordinary journey that unearths the hidden historical secrets of England's forgotten queen. In this captivating narrative, Loxton, acclaimed as the leading historian of her generation, takes us...

The Private Lives of the Saints: Power, Passion and Politics in Anglo-Saxon England by Janina Ramirez is a captivating journey into the heart of a tumultuous era often shrouded in mystery. This thought-provoking narrative shines a light on the lives of saints and the...

Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State by Caroline Burt offers a riveting exploration of the turbulent political landscape that shaped medieval England. This compelling narrative uncovers how the Plantagenets, a dynasty fraught with drama and intrigue, laid the groundwork...

The Magic Books: A History of Enchantment in 20 Medieval Manuscripts by Anne Lawrence-Mathers invites readers into a mesmerizing exploration of the mystical world of medieval Europe, where enchantment and the supernatural held sway over the imaginations of great rulers, scholars, and religious figures....

Cryptic: From Voynich to the Angel Diaries, the Story of the World's Mysterious Manuscripts by Garry J. Shaw invites readers to dive into the enigmatic realm of some of Europe's most puzzling texts. This captivating non-fiction book explores the profound mysteries behind manuscripts that...

Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity by Diarmaid MacCulloch invites readers on a profound journey through the complex interplay between human sexuality and spirituality. This compelling work explores the intriguing notion that humanity is created "a little lower than the...

Queens at War by Alison Weir offers an enthralling glimpse into the lives of five extraordinary fifteenth-century queens. This historical non-fiction book delves into their stories woven with themes of triumph, tragedy, love, loss, murder, and malice, vividly bringing to life the intense drama...

Catherine de' Medici: The Life and Times of the Serpent Queen by Mary Hollingsworth offers an illuminating exploration of one of the most controversial figures in European history. This non-fiction biography dives deep into the life of Catherine de' Medici, revealing her complex personality...

Crusaders by Dan Jones offers an enthralling journey through one of the most turbulent and defining epochs of medieval history. This captivating non-fiction book delves into the epic saga of the Crusades, a series of religious wars that shaped the fate of nations and...

Cypria: A Journey to the Heart of Cyprus by Alex Christofi offers an enthralling exploration of the island's rich and tumultuous history. This captivating narrative blends travel writing with deep cultural insights, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Shortlisted for...

Europe and the Roma: A History of Fascination and Fear by Klaus-Michael Bogdal is a compelling exploration of the complex relationship between European societies and the Romani people. This magisterial work sheds light on a dark and often overlooked chapter of European history, tracing...

Medieval Bodies: Life, Death and Art in the Middle Ages by Jack Hartnell is a captivating exploration of the intricacies of medieval life, brought to you in association with Wellcome Collection. This remarkable work has been honored as a SUNDAY TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF...

Immerse yourself in the riveting world of The Other Renaissance: From Copernicus to Shakespeare by renowned author Paul Strathern. This intriguing narrative uncovers the lesser-known, yet equally significant, cultural revolution that blossomed in northern Europe, challenging the established Italian narrative of the Renaissance. Strathern...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Inside the Stargazer's Palace: The Transformation of Science in 16th-Century Northern Europe by Violet Moller. This enthralling narrative not only captures the allure of the cosmos but also unveils a pivotal era where science and mysticism intertwined,...

Islamesque: The Forgotten Craftsmen Who Built Europe's Medieval Monuments by Diana Darke is a groundbreaking exploration that invites readers to rediscover the unsung heroes of European architecture. This captivating book unveils the skilled artisans whose talents have been overshadowed by history, shedding light on...

Europe: The First 100 Million Years by Tim Flannery is a remarkable exploration that unveils the captivating biological evolution of the continent, engaging both nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This compelling narrative chronicles Europe's transformation from a tropical island archipelago into the diverse...

Step into the captivating world of The Voices of Nîmes: Women, Sex, and Marriage in Reformation Languedoc by esteemed historian Suzannah Lipscomb. This remarkable narrative uncovers the vibrant lives of women in 16th and early 17th century Languedoc, illuminating their struggles, desires, and resilience...

Step into the enthralling world of history with The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars and Caliphs by Marc David Baer. This remarkable book has not only been shortlisted for the renowned Wolfson History Prize but is also celebrated as a Sunday Times Paperback of the Year,...

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350 by Joanna Cannon is a stunning exploration of an era that defined Italian artistry. This captivating book immerses readers in the vibrant world of Sienese painters, unveiling the remarkable transformation of art between 1300 and 1350. It beautifully...