The World of the Middle Ages. The Birth of Europe: An Era of Great Conquests and Outstanding Achievements

A remarkable Austrian historian F. Heer presents an exciting panorama of life in medieval Europe in the pages of his book — a period often mistakenly called the Dark Ages. The historian does not overlook the most important events of the era: the fierce wars during which the borders of nation-states were formed, the Crusades, the confrontation between East and West; however, his often provocative view is directed at the individual, the everyday and intellectual life of medieval society. The author discusses the profound changes that occurred in the 12th—14th centuries in the fields of science and visual arts, the emergence of new universities, the flourishing of Gothic architecture, a new wave of interest in literature, as well as the position of women and the relationships between estates.