Presents the history of Europe in the Middle Ages. This book begins with the Barbarian and Musulman invasions in the fifth century AD, which signalled the end of the Roman world in the West, and ends in the middle of the sixteenth century with the Renaissance and the Reformation.

First published in 1939, this is a reissue of Henri Pirenne's extremely popular and influential history of Europe in the Middle Ages. It begins with the Barbarian and Musulman invasions in the fifth century AD, which signalled the end of the Roman world in the West, and ends in the middle of the sixteenth century with the Renaissance and the Reformation. Universally praised for its detailed and impartial approach, this reissue will be very welcome news to both students of medieval history and to the general reader seeking a definitive review of the period.

`Here we have incomparably the best textbook on mediaeval European history in the language, a book which every teacher in the subject must desire to put into the hands of students.' - The New Statesman `A model of descriptive and objective commentary, so objective that it seems to be itself a part of the history.' - The Manchester Guardian `A very great book' - The Liverpool Daily Post `A measured and comprehensive outline of European history from the Barbican invasions to the abdication of Emperor Charles V ... it is deserving of careful study; and throughout it is illuminated by quite brilliant historical insight and quiet humour.' - Church Times `A work of detachment, concentration and memory ... proving, yet again, that the chains of the body are often wings to the spirit... His view ... is magnificent and highly individual.' - Time and Tide