Global Medieval Contexts 500–1500: Connections and Comparisons provides a unique wide-lens introduction to world history during this period. Designed for students new to the subject, this textbook explores vital networks and relationships among geographies and cultures that shaped medieval societies. The expert author team aims to advance a global view of the period and introduce the reader to histories and narratives beyond an exclusively European context.
Key Features:
- Divided into chronological sections, chapters are organized by four key themes: Religion, Economics, Politics, and Society. This framework enables students to connect wider ideas and debates across 500 to 1500.
- Individual chapters address current theoretical discussions, including issues around gender, migration, and sustainable environments.
- The authors’ combined teaching experience and subject specialties ensure an engaging and accessible overview for students of history, literature, and those undertaking general studies courses.
- Theory boxes and end-of-chapter questions provide a basis for group discussion and research. Full-color maps and images illustrate chapter content and support understanding.
As a result, this text is essential reading for all those interested in learning more about the histories and cultures of the period, as well as their relevance to our own contemporary experiences and perspectives.
This textbook is supported by a companion website providing core resources for students and lecturers.
Table of Contents:
Section I: Orientation Section II: 500–900 1. Growth of Monotheisms 2. Caravan and Dhow 3. The Sword and the Pen 4. Sustainability and Climate Change Section III: 900–1300 5. Pathways to Paradise 6. For Sale 7. Soldiers and Civil Servants 8. Class Rites Section IV: 1300–1500 9. Devotion 10. Golden Opportunities 11. World Connected 12. Everyone Believes it is the End of the World
About the Author :
Kimberly Klimek is Professor of History at Metropolitan State University of Denver, concentrating on medieval women and intellectual history.
Pamela L. Troyer is Professor of English Literature at Metropolitan State University of Denver, specializing in ancient and medieval mythology and manuscript culture.
Sarah Davis-Secord is Associate Professor of History at the University of New Mexico, specializing in the medieval Mediterranean and cross-cultural exchange.
Bryan C. Keene is Assistant Professor of Art History at Riverside City College, Los Angeles, and former curator of manuscripts at the Getty Museum.
Review :
'The book that many of us have long been waiting for: a collection of materials, generously framed for both instructors and students, for teaching history and culture c. 500 – 1500 from a global perspective. Rich in comparisons, contrasts, and entanglements, the texts collected here bring the diversity of the past to life for students. Interdisciplinary, engaging, and thoroughly accessible, Global Medieval Contexts connects past to present in illuminating and exciting ways.'
Dr Jeffrey J Cohen, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, USA
'Global Medieval Contexts takes us on a breathtaking tour across time and space as it redraws the contours of the medieval world map in a novel way that ties cultures, peoples, and places. It is a stimulating and timely read that points back to the medieval world, only to point forward to current issues and debates. Thanks to the global and interdisciplinary aspect of the book, students anywhere in the world can find something to relate to. The book arouses curiosity, raises questions, and changes perspectives. While emphasizing diversity, Global Medieval Contexts emphasizes our basic human sameness.'
Dr Sally Abed, Alexandria University, Egypt
'Global Medieval Contexts offers instructors and students a rich mosaic of the premodern world, building on thematic strands connecting disparate cultures. Equally comfortable discussing themes and objects, ranging from sails to sculptures, the authors present a range of entry-points for student discussion and analysis. Although the topics have considerable cultural breadth, the underlying global perspective is clear while the writing and framing make them accessible to a range of students, from those enrolled in first-year surveys to more advanced courses specifically on the medieval period.'
Dr Edward Schoolman, University of Nevada, USA
