The Civilization of the Middle Ages

By: Norman F. Cantor

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

In 1963, Norman F. Cantor published his breakthrough narrative history of the Middle Ages. Here is a significant revision, update, and expansion of that work.

The Civilization of the Middle Ages incorporates current research, recent trends in interpretation, and novel perspectives, especially on the foundations of the Middle Ages and the Later Middle Ages of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. A sharper focus on social history, Jewish history, women’s roles in society, and popular religion and heresy distinguish the book. While the first and last sections of the book are almost entirely new and many additions have been incorporated in the intervening sections, Cantor has retained the powerful narrative flow that made earlier editions so accessible.

©1963 1993 by Norman F. Cantor (P)1994 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“No better explanation of medievalism is available to the general reader.” ( Booklist)

narration is good

narration is good but there are a few errors in pronounce such as Pavia, pico della mirandola, dei medici

The medieval history course I wish I had taken

The things I'd learned in bits and pieces over morel than a decade beautifully and intelligently tied together into a course I wish I had been available in my university days. Excellent narration that keeps things moving in a subtly energetic delivery.

Engaging history

This was a wonderful history. Cantor expressed the world in terms of the life of the mind well. He clearly mastered the best primary sources. For example, we get a wonderful introduction to the troubadours. Other themes include Catholic theology and mysticism, ancient law, writing of both peasantry and nobility, etc.

I have decided to dig deeper into the legal, poetic, and theological texts of the era as a result of reading this book.

The narrator has a wonderful British accent, but it takes some time to accustom oneself to it.

Extensive and excellent.

Granted, Frederick Davidson's narration takes some getting used to. But believe me, you'll appreciate his flow soon enough. And once you do, you'll find that he has the perfect style for this amazing masterpiece of a retelling of Europe's tumultuous history. Absolutely recommended for anyone with even a slight interest in the Middle Ages.

Worth the listen.....

I plan to listen to this again. I have the physical but nothing like listening to a professionally narrated book, especially with the info coming from this book.