The Medieval World Complete

Very comprehensive, covering different topics of medieval life such as religion and travelling but also gives a good overview of the history, with ancestry trees (eg the Plantagenets) without going into too much details about each King and Queen, which is not this books main focus - therein lies this books difference from other table books such as Derek Wilsons The Plantagenets and this makes this book unique. It's beautifully arranged Robert Bartlett has clearly edited this with great attention and care, and the illustrations are perfect quality plus the printing is flawless (or I didn't find the flaws. Perfect table book.The photos attached were taken with my phone so may not fully illustrate how clear the printing is, I tried to select various images not so known, this book is full of those. The text is informative not too detailed, ideal to introduce the Middle Ages. Overall this is a perfect choice to introduce the topic to anyone - they'll be drawn to the pictures and interested in the explanations, and won't be able to put down this book for hours.

Haven't read any of the text of this book yet, and I've only thumbed through the images a few times. But it was bought as a gift for my wife, and both she and I already find ourselves blown away by the compendious richness of the visual component, which is exactly what Teresa was after.The range of materials illustrated is extensive, from everyday objects, to art, interiors, architecture, illuminated books, armour, etc, etc. The picture quality is high, and there are hundreds upon hundreds (around a 1000, I think) of images, most of which are in colour.In short, a stunning treasure-trove of medieval visual culture. Excellently presented, and good value for money. If the written component is anywhere near as rich, it'll be a complete feast. Even though Ive hardly looked at it so far, it's already brought me (& Teresa!) a disproportionate amount of pleasure.I spent an enraptured 10 minutes just contemplating a beautiful double-page spread of circular stained-glass windows depicting the months. Brilliant!

My first impression was "It's big and has hundreds of colour pictures – wow."It would've been underpriced, even if I had have paid the full cover price.After reading it throughout, I think even more highly of it. Robert Bartlett is a very informative writer, who draws effectively on his well of knowledge. You can see a commonality between this work and his BBC series. It is very neatly divided into important aspects of the Medieval world, covering aspects of religion, kingship, art, everyday life, psychology, christianity vs the outside world, and the end of the middle ages.Very useful as an support book for anyone studying this period; the writer will no doubt throw you some interesting snippets. Also perfect for anyone with an interest in historical architecture, art, or sculpture.Thoroughly recommended. It gets pride of place in my library.6 STARS

A treasure trove and delight for anyone with an interest in the Medieval. Painting, sculpture, ecclesiastical, a stunning collection of over 600 images including a gazetteer of where to see the objects. 5* essential buy.

Bought this book as part of my history degree. As I have seen quite a few of Robert Bartlett's TV documentaries on the medieval period I was hoping the book would be as good. As an accompaniment to more in-depth reading material it has been invaluable to me. Lots and lots of pictures which I have noted down their location as I hope to visit some of them some day. There is a synopsis for each chapter which gives a broad overview to what we are going to look at. Examples are sex, marriage, devotional practices etc... As a history student I would recommend this book to fellow students and also it is not too heavy to interest anyone who has an amateur interest in the Middle Ages

An excellent pictorial history of the medieval period, not just in Britain but across the wider world. Very national geographic in style, great pictures and images with short pieces of text.

I thought the paintings inside and photos were amazing. Some items could have perhaps done with more in depth discussion but this book is an excellent introduction to what life and culture was like at the time. I found it really interesting.

Great Book, Great author who’s always worth reading