Bennett, Judith M. Medieval Europe: A Short History. 11th ed. McGraw Hill, 2011.
Medieval Europe: A Short History claims to be the most popular textbook on its subject. I have no reason to doubt that. It is clear, well-organized, and up to date in its historical methods. Judith Bennett is an expert in the women’s history of the period, and I understand there is now a twelfth edition that adds new archeological evidence and material on race and diversity. It has more cultural history and less war and politics than the histories I grew up with. It is very readable, and I read it so quickly, I am sure I could not pass a test; but it does have links to web materials that would help me get ready for one. It does a good job of pointing out the interplay between the Eastern and Western churches and the influence of Islamic culture. The Middle Ages weren’t all plagues, knights and crusades. ( )

a re-read from college while i wait for library books to come in.

This book is easy to read, includes relevant and interesting information, and covers medieval Europe on a broad scale rather than focus on one or two countries/empires. In addition, the style of writing is well-paced and engaging. Best of all, the book reiterates the sentiment that the "Dark Ages" were not as dark or backwards as general perception states. Instead, this time frame is presented as a period of continuous change and development -- even, dare I say, innovation. One problem I do have is how clearly some of the authors' biases and opinions come through in the writing. One or both authors have the tendency to state interpretations or deductions as established fact. Also, the extreme overuse of the word "buttress" became very old, very quickly. So, high marks for readability but points lost for lack of objectivity. ( )

Well written, constructed to aid learning, even occasionally humorous! ( )

A fairly easy read, this is the standard textbook for medieval European survey courses. I prefer Cook & Herzman's The Medieval World View, though, for putting everything going on in the period in its intellectual context. ( )