Religion in the Medieval West (Arnold Publication)

Rating:
Summary: Good general intro to medieval christian beliefs & practices
Review: The book does not assume a great knowledge of Catholic beliefs, practices and history, although it is written in a scholarly style, and is aimed at University level readers. Within the class of textbooks, it is an easy read, and full of fascinating titbits. Did you know that there were Catholics in China in the 13th century? The book does contain some church history, but is more interested in the beliefs and practices of ordinary people, and their interaction with the church. Highly recommended especially to people interested in everyday medieval life.

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable Resource for Those Interested in the Middle Ages
Review: The one essential tool I think those who are seriously interested in the Middle Ages need is a good reference text on Medieval Catholicism. Without a good understanding of the Church and Christendom, there simply cannot be a good understanding of the texts or of the society. Even most contemporary Roman Catholics have forgotten (or never understood) topics such as the medieval concept of sin (mortal, venial, original), monasticism, fasting, the use of psalters, rosaries, breviaries, etc. To fill in the knowledge gaps in these and other areas, I use and strongly recommend this book. I discovered it 8-10 years ago at Cambridge University where it was wildly praised and widely read. It may not be a book you'd want to read straight through (though you could do so because it's not that long), but it is one that you'll want to consult again and again as a reference text.

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable Resource for Those Interested in the Middle Ages
Review: The one essential tool I think those who are seriously interested in the Middle Ages need is a good reference text on Medieval Catholicism. Without a good understanding of the Church and Christendom, there simply cannot be a good understanding of the texts or of the society. Even most contemporary Roman Catholics have forgotten (or never understood) topics such as the medieval concept of sin (mortal, venial, original), monasticism, fasting, the use of psalters, rosaries, breviaries, etc. To fill in the knowledge gaps in these and other areas, I use and strongly recommend this book. I discovered it 8-10 years ago at Cambridge University where it was wildly praised and widely read. It may not be a book you'd want to read straight through (though you could do so because it's not that long), but it is one that you'll want to consult again and again as a reference text.