Medieval Technology and Social Change

Lynn White is Founding Director of UCLA Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies, University of California, Los Angeles.

"Excellent."--Louis P. Towles, Central Wesleyan College"The most stimulating book of the century on the history of technology...a positive delight."--Isis"At once an advance in the study of medieval technology and also the best introduction to the subject for the serious general reader."--The Economist"Still essential reading for students of Medieval studies. A must for those interested in Medieval technology and its impact on the development of western society."--Cecile-Marie Sastre, Flagler College

• 1. Stirrup, Mounted Shock Combat, Feudalism, and ChivalryI. The Classic Theory of the Origins of Feudalism and its CriticsII. The Origin and Duffusion of the StirrupIII. Mounted Shock Combat and the Temper of Feudal Life 2. The Agricultural Revolution of the Early Middle AgesI. The Plough and the Manorial SystemII. The Discovery of Horse-PowerIII. The Three-Field Rotation and Improved NutritionIV. The Northward Shift of Europe's Focus 3. The Medieval Exploration of Mechanical Power and DevicesI. The Sources of PowerII. The Development of Machine DesignIII. The Concept of a Power Technology NotesIndex