The Middle Ages

This book of translated materials from the late Roman Empire to the mid-fifteenth century introduces students to the diversity of Medieval culture--covering the variety of lifestyles, ways of thinking, and forms of literary expression. Arranged chronologically, the book draws from an unusually wide variety of materials including: letters; biographies; poetry; legal, philosophical and scientific writings; and government records. The new edition includes more material on women, peasant life, and religious dissent. In addition, there is a new chapter that documents a variety of women's roles including wife, saint, and doctor.