This subjective narrative has one basic premise, the medieval world is not devoid of interconnectedness, that it evidences by cherry-picking through a thousand years of history to prove in 250 pages. Beyond that, there is little to be learned but perhaps it could get you curious about some of the people and events mentioned. Then you can go read someone else’s more detailed recitation and/or rigorous analysis. Overall the narrative of the book flowed well but the lack of depth and occasional preachiness left me unfulfilled and not too impressed.

I should’ve read the Epilogue first and not wasted any more time with this book.

This is an approachable overview of the medieval period of Europe that brings a perspective on the interrelationship between the historical peoples and events. I “knew” much of this history already, having read previous accounts of the people and events. What this book did for me was to give me a greater grasp on how those things were related to and affect by each other. It also makes an excellent effort to include diverse perspectives on the times and events, particularly those of women and non-European sources. This gives a better understanding of a time that has so many of our modern preconceptions thrust on to it. The reader comes away with an understanding that is more complex and therefore more human than previously understood.