Synopsis: This is the story of England's most notorious king, Henry VIII. A charismatic lover, he married six times and possessed a deep love of poetry and music. An energetic hunter, he faced the haunting fear of leaving no male heir. Ruthless in pursuit of his desires, he made the monumental decision to split from Rome and the Catholic Church, forever shaping Britain’s religious and political landscape. Margaret George presents a vivid portrait of Henry VIII and Tudor England, featuring key figures like Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas More, and Anne Boleyn. The narrative is told from Henry’s point of view, enriched by the irreverent comments of Will Somers, the king's jester and confidant.

Synopsis: This volume explores medieval misogynistic writings, shedding light on the significant impact these texts have had on the status of women in the West. It collects key voices of antifeminism alongside those defending women, offering a comprehensive sourcebook in modern translation. With an introduction, notes, and commentary, it includes better-known texts from figures like Jerome, Héloise and Abelard, Christine de Pizan, and Chaucer, as well as lesser-known writings related to topics such as the sexual double standard and women's roles in the priesthood. This book also features early texts advocating for women, some of which have never before been translated.

Synopsis: Neither Christopher Columbus nor his contemporaries thought the earth was flat. In *Inventing the Flat Earth*, the author aims to correct this misconception, beginning with a discussion of geographical knowledge in the Middle Ages and what Columbus and his peers actually believed. The book explores how the flat earth myth was propagated in the 1820s and 1830s, gaining traction by the late 19th century. It also delves into why this error persists, questioning whether we prefer the comfort of familiar inaccuracies over the effort required to seek the truth. The discussion highlights the implications for historical knowledge and scholarly integrity.

Synopsis: This second edition features a revised and reset text, including the complete Hrafnkels saga freysgooa. It is now available in paperback for the first time since its original publication in 1927.

Synopsis: In the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, magic intertwines with chivalry and courage. The story follows Sir Gawain, the bravest of King Arthur's knights, as he faces a formidable challenge and embarks on a thrilling quest.

Synopsis: A vibrant history of Italy in the tumultuous fourteenth century, seen through the life of Sir John Hawkwood, an English military strategist and bandit lord. As mercenaries descended upon the wealthy city-states, Hawkwood formed his own army, manipulated rival factions, and even held the Pope for ransom. This biography delves into a time marked by plague, political upheaval, and religious fervor, while highlighting the era's insatiable hunger for spectacle and luxury. "The Devil's Broker" presents a gripping account of fortunes gained and lost during this chaotic period.

Synopsis: During the Hundred Years' War, a teenage peasant girl named Joan heard a divine call to help restore France. Ignoring her family's concerns, she embarked on a remarkable journey, becoming a military leader and national hero. Joan directed soldiers and fought bravely, eventually attending the king's coronation. However, her fame led to her downfall as the English sought to exploit her capture. Betrayed by her own countrymen, Joan was ultimately sold to the enemy and executed at the age of nineteen in 1431. This meticulously researched biography by Donald Spoto captures her extraordinary life as a courageous warrior who changed history by following her heart.

Synopsis: This book provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of King Stephen's troubled reign, authored by a scholar of the Anglo-Norman world. David Crouch explores various aspects of the period, including the king and the empress, the aristocracy, the Church, government, and the nation. He also examines broader contexts in Scotland, Wales, Normandy, and beyond, presenting a work of significant scholarly importance for both specialists and those with a general interest in medieval history.

Synopsis: In "The Greenlanders," Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley crafts a compelling narrative set in 14th-century Greenland. The novel follows the lives of landowner Asgeir Gunnarsson, his independent daughter Margret, who faces the consequences of her passionate choices, and his son Gunnar, whose thirst for knowledge drives the story. Through rich depictions of farmers, priests, feasts, and feuds, Smiley brings this distant time, place, and its people to life.

Synopsis: Umberto Eco presents a summary of medieval aesthetic ideas, exploring the relationship between theology, science, poetry, and mysticism in medieval culture. The book offers insights into aesthetic theories and their connection to artistic practices of the time.