I am playing the demo and really like the look and fell of the game. I don;t know ALL that much about the detail of the period (such things as laws, church relations, etc). Can anyone recommend a book or books that would be good for the general reader? I have a Master in history but my concentration is US.
The only book that comes to mind that I've read is James Michener's Poland. Covers more than this time period, but there is a sizeable section that relates to the game. ~Bogi
It's not technically historical, but I've enjoyed Sharon Kay Penman's Plantagenet series so far.
There's really quite a bit to learn from them even if they are technically fictional.
The fall of Constantinopole by Vasile Corbu.
It goes way back from 1350 to 1456
While it focuses on only a part of the period in time and place, it gives a good feel for the entire period, I think: John Julius Norwich's history of the de Hauteville's in Sicily and southern Italy. There's a good reason so many here like playing as the de Hauteville's, the "other" Normans were interesting and successful. It might well be in your local library, mine had the two-volume version of the books.
For bonus points, do what I did - read the two volumes in the wrong order (book one was unavailable). Then there's a happy ending!
When will the citizens of free countries learn to stop supporting Dictators?
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Strike The Earth!
Steven Runciman: A history of the Crusades.
And my fothcoming book: "The fall of the Ali Baba empires. The end of muslim reign in the holy Land and the rise of the Kingdom of Heaven.
so many options, it depends on your particular focus. Some I would recommend, though they tend to be later-on:
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes
Empires of the Sea
The Confident Hope of a Miracle
and of course this.
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Medieval Europe: A Short History by C. Warren Hollister and Judith Bennett (Topical, yet precise enough to allow a fairly good understanding without getting too specific on any one thing).
Also, if you happen to have a Goodwill Outlet store nearby, you can often find old history books discarded there for cheap. The one near where I live sells books by the pound, and I picked up five extremely good historical texts for about two dollars.
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Currently reading: 'The Normans. The history of a dynasty' by David Crouch. It is a very readable, entertaining book about the history of the 'de Normandie' dynasty from Rollo the first duke of Normandy to king Stephen of England.
Another good IMO is Barbara Tuchmann's 'A Distant Mirror'.
Hmm, not really covering the CKII-period.Originally Posted by badger_ken
John Julius norwich's byzantium series and his book about tho history of the papacy. They are some of the best general histories I've ever read
His history of Venice and the Middle Sea are also excellent, you really can't go wrong with John J. Norwich.
listen to me and Veldmaarschalk we know our stuff
If you like the Iberians (and who doesn't :P), try Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's Before Columbus, where you can read about the Reconquista in various parts of the Peninsula, Italian merchant outposts throughout the Mediterranean, and Aragonese dreams of conquering Jerusalem.
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This aught to be retitled Bibliography and stickied
I can't stress how great Runciman is in detailing the medieval world. Took me awhile to find a complete volume set; but, it was well worth it. Moreover, his writings on the Byzantine Empire are par-excellence!Steven Runciman: A history of the Crusades.
And my fothcoming book: "The fall of the Ali Baba empires. The end of muslim reign in the holy Land and the rise of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Tome IV, V and VI of the Universal History of Cesare Cantù.
>^.^<
Before sending me to register the game:
1) I don't have it, I played it in a CC (Cyber-coffee).
2) I don't have credit card and paypal doesn't allow charging money without a valid one as I'm apparently in an 8th world country: Chile.
3) If you find anyway to buy it via WESTERN UNION, send me a message!.
Thanks to Vince!
THE CRUSADES BY CHRISTOPHER TYERMAN!
best book on the crusades iver ever read easily
A highly-readable and well-written slim book by David Howarth, "1066: the Year of the Conquest," really puts you in the world at the start of the CKII timeframe.
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