The early Middle Ages : the birth of Europe /

Early medievalist Olson (Univ. of Sydney; Early Monasteries in Cornwall, 1989) takes on the daunting task of providing a survey of the 5th-11th centuries, covering a vast breadth of topics ranging from the barbarian kingdoms in Europe to the rise of Islam, culminating with the first crusade. The author organizes her text chronologically and relies heavily on textual evidence, but also notes that renowned anthropologists Mary Douglas and Robin Horton heavily influence her approach. While Olson's focus is the "birth of Europe," she attempts to place the development of early medieval Europe within the context of its neighboring regions, including Bulgaria and North Africa, emphasizing the current trend of global perspectives. She grapples with the period's methodological issues, making the text a useful teaching tool. The result is a highly readable survey of the early Middle Ages filled with anecdotes that undergraduates are sure to appreciate. Summing Up: Recommended. All undergraduate collections. A. K. Barnes University of Arkansas