Defining Documents in World History: The Middle Ages provides detailed, thought-provoking analysis of:

• Byzantium and Western Europe in the early Middle Ages
• The Catholic Church and its Vicissitudes
• England and France
• The Near East and Beyond
• Philosophy, Religion, and Science

Middle Ages contains 40 primary source documents - many in their entirety. Each document is supported by a critical essay, written by historians and teachers, that includes Summary Overview, Defining Moment, Author Biography, Document Analysis, and Essential Themes. Readers will appreciate the diversity of the collected texts, including journals, letters, speeches, political and religious sermons, laws, government reports, trial notes, among other genres.

A historical timeline, web resources, and a bibliography of important supplemental readings will support readers in understanding the broader historical events and subjects in the period. An introduction for each of the major subjects covered in the title considers the significance of document analysis for students and educators.

Each in-depth chapter guides students and educators in document analysis and historical comprehension. The documents represent the diversity of ideas and contexts that define social, political, and cultural subjects throughout World History.

Historical documents provide a compelling view of ancient world history. Designed for high school and college students, the aim of the series is to advance historical document studies as an important activity in learning about history.