A really interesting survey of how the Middle Ages came to be, and of the Europe that went through them. Doctor Southern explains things clearly and isn’t afraid of going down rabbit holes if he thinks it will explain things further or be of interest to his readers. My only complaint would be that I wanted some sections to be longer or that my knowledge of the topic let me down in some areas. But you have to love a scholar who quotes Jane Austen to make a point about profligate elder sons.