Medieval Christianity

Kevin Madigan is Winn Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Harvard Divinity School. He specializes in the study of medieval Christian religious practice and thought. His books include Olivi and the Interpretation of Matthew in the High Middle Ages and The Passions of Christ in High-Medieval Thought: An Essay on Christological Development, and he is co-author of Ordained Women in the Early Church: A Documentary History and Resurrection: The Power of God for Christians and Jews. He lives in Cambridge, MA.

"Accessible and clear . . . an engaging narrative history that should please experts while whetting the appetites of beginners."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)"[O]utstanding works of church history that should be popular with the general reader as well as students. . . . Madigan shows how developments in modern Christianity paved the way for the reformation."—Paul Richardson, CofE Newspaper"A good and useful book."—G.R. Evans, Theology"Medieval History: A New History offers a useful, learned and—given the ambitious boundaries of the work—an appropriately nuanced synthesis of accepted scholarship. . . . Beginniners will want to read Madigan."—Francis Hittinger, Politics, Religion & Ideology"Provides in one volume a survey of the entire sweep of Christian history between the years 500 and 1500 and an introduction to Christian practice and though in this period. It does so in a way that is comprehensive without being overwhelming, and comprehensible without being condescending. . . . Madigan’s expertise in the field, combined with his ability to present a mass of material in an engaging way make this a highly successful undertaking."—Michael Staunton, Dublin Review of Books"This will undoubtedly be the fundamental narrative account of medieval Christianity for the next generation, smartly and engagingly written."—John Van Engen, University of Notre Dame"This impressive summary of the medieval church is comprehensive in coverage, rich in detail, and clear in presentation. It seamlessly combines the best of the received story of medieval Christianity with challenging insights from the newest historiography."—Bernard McGinn, University of Chicago"A masterful yet accessible introduction to the principal institutional, intellectual, and social developments of medieval Christianity, including the papacy and religious orders, particularly valuable for its attention to the place of Jews, Muslims, heretics, and women in these developments, as well as the problem of educating the laity."—Rachel Fulton Brown, author of From Judgment to Passion: Devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary, 800-1200"This much-needed book deftly combines the institutional, theological and intellectual history of medieval Christianity. Madigan admirably includes important topics missing from earlier surveys, such as Christian attitudes towards Jews and Muslims, the roles of women, liturgy, popular devotion and the arts."—E. Ann Matter, University of Pennsylvania"Offering a new approach to the history of medieval Christianity, this ambitious book fully lives up to the expectations it sets. Throughout its subtle and supple narrative, it deepens readers' knowledge of this important period."—Willemien Otten, University of Chicago