Great Events From History: The Middle Ages, 477-1453

Medievalists mainly at American universities, as well as some independent scholars are the authors of the entries on 322 events, presented in chronological order. Though the dates 477-1453 reflect traditional divisions in the history of western Europe (the fall of the Roman Empire, the fall of Constantinople), the reference presents a fully global coverage, covering events in Africa, the Levant, Europe, the Islamic world, India, all of Asia, and Central America. Written for the popular reader, high school or undergraduate student, each entry begins with an initial section listing locale, categories, and key figures. The essay that follows contains a summary of the event, a concluding discussion of its significance, a short annotated bibliography, and a list of cross references to the companion reference work Great lives from history; the middle ages. A selection of topics includes the arrival of Confucianism in Japan, the reign of Songtsen Gampo, Uighur migrations, the foundation of the Koryo dynasty, foundation of the West African states of Benin, and Joan of Arc's relief of Orleans. About two-thirds of the entries are new, the remainder are revised versions of those previously published in other, earlier references by the same publisher. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)