C. Warren Hollister (1930–1997)

This is easily one of the most enjoyable, well written academic histories I have ever read. C. Warren Hollister's treatment of Henry I is sympathetic, but not hagiographical. He manages to write even subjects I usually find boring (i.e., the monarch's relationship with the church) in an enthralling way.

Having said that, the parts of the book Hollister didn't write are pretty hard to get through: sadly, Hollister passed before the book was completed. He selected Amanda Clark Frost to finish show more Henry I based on his notes, and she unfortunately wasn't able to keep up the magic Hollister had going. When you get to the chapters on Henry's treatment of magnates, his governance and laws, and especially the chapter on his religious activities, there is a significant tone change and you can tell someone besides Hollister is writing. The chapter on the church is little more than a list of Henry's every recorded activity as it related to religion, and it's nearly 100 pages long. To be fair, Frost must have been in an almost impossible position, trying to finish a colleague's opus based only on a loose framework of notes. None the less, the book is difficult to finish and for that reason, I deducted 1/2 of a star.

Even with the disappointing later chapters, this is a fantastic read and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Henry I. Historians and amateurs (like myself) will enjoy. show less

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Excellent, brief history of England from the pre-Roman times to 1399. The author has a clear style and is remarkably free of sentimental opinions. Hollister understands how to judge events and people within the context of their times and doesn't automatically dismiss higher motivations in favor of baser allegations.

Hollister is also a well-respected historian of the period, showing up in many footnotes and bibliographies.