The Autumn of the Middle Ages

A great little book, it was the first book I read from the library about the middle ages way back in the 70's! Thrilled with this purchase! In very good condition for a "good" condition book.

Though this book is absolutely excellent (though the style takes a little getting used to), it shouldn't be the first book you read on the Middle Ages.I say that not so much because the book is difficult, as because it's elliptical. The book has a lot of discussion about themes prevalent in the art and literature of the later Middle Ages, but it's not a "history": it doesn't tell you what happened.For example, to make a point about fastidious medieval protocol, Huizinga relates an anecdote about the battle of Crecy. But he never explains what the battle was, who fought in it, or why it was important. He assumes you already know that stuff, so don't come to this book looking for a more straightforward history. This is more a discussion of the major themes and movements of the age, divided by chapter.

I first read this book 25 years ago in college. At the time, it was one of those book I just wanted to get through for a grade, but there were details of it I remembered, such as the common practice of sllicing apples into thirds to represent the Trinity.Well, picking up this book to re-read while living in Europe turned out to be a far greater pleasure than I imagined. Huizinga offers an elegant portrait of an entire era, the Late Middle Ages, in both visual and intellectual detail. You learn about codes of honor, the different ways in which life was perceived, and the practices of love. It is beautifully written and vivid.There are limitation to the approach, of course. It is not about economics or living standards. It does not function as a survey, and hence the reader must have solid knowledge of medieval history before starting the book. You will have to get these elsewhere. But if you come to this book with the right expectations, it is fascinating and wonderful from cover to cover. Warmly recommended.

Undoubtably, this translation will convince those of us that were unable to read Huizinga in the original, that he is one of this century's greatest historians. His eye for detail and the ability to unfold latent meanings in art and literature parallels only to that of S. Liberman in his work on Hellenism. A must read.

Huizinga's quintessential work of medieval history was, in effect, reborn with this new translation. Ideas long thought outmoded were given new color, in subtler shades, by this word-for-word translation from the original Dutch. Huizinga's true thesis is now made available to the English speaking public, which had heretofore only had access to the truncated, and much simplified, prior English edition. But the rich anecdotal details remain, the poetry, art, and prayer still ring true. And the dirty ripeness of the later middle ages is laid before your eyes with each chapter.