Between 1095 and 1229, Western Europe confronted a series of alternative cultural possibilities that would fundamentally transform its social structures, its intellectual life, and its very identity. It was a period of difficult decisions and anxiety rather than a triumphant 'renaissance'.In this fresh reassessment of the twelfth century, John D. Cotts:- Shows how new social, economic and religious options challenged Europeans to re-imagine their place in the world- Provides an overview of political life and detailed examples of the original thought and religious enthusiasm of the time- Presents the Crusades as the century's defining movement.Ideal for students and scholars alike, this is an essential overview of a pivotal era in medieval history that arguably paved the way for a united Europe.
JOHN D. COTTS is Associate Professor of History at Whitman College, USA.
PrefaceMapIntroduction: Approaches to the Twelfth Century and its 'Renaissance'Varieties of Political Order in the Latin WestPeople, Economy and Social RelationsSpirituality and its DiscontentsIntellectual SynthesesThe Crusades and the Idea of ChristendomNotesSuggestions for Further ReadingIndex.
Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2013 'Well written and clearly argued, this excellent survey of the 12th century should be on every undergraduate medieval history reading list. Highly recommended.' - Choice 'An excellent introduction to one of the most fascinating periods of the European Middle Ages.' - Bjorn Weiler, Aberystwyth University, UK
