A History of Medieval Heresy and Inquisition (Critical Issues in World and International History)

I really enjoyed reading this book and, despite the fact that it was published several months ago, find myself with the honor and privilege to be the first to comment.I should state at the outset that I am very much a general, or lay (in keeping with the ecclesiastical theme), reader and generally rely on the integrity of the author to present information faithfully.In the past I have found that many books with religious themes are simply christian apologia and are neither objective nor reliable having a deep rooted agenda to present Christianity in as favorable a light as possible.This is certainly not the case here and we can take comfort from the fact that the author is an associate professor of history in a secular university.Much of european history centers upon power struggles within the various segments of Christian hierarchies and this book covers major disputes from the 11th to the 15th centuries. The writing is lucid and concise and there are bibliographies that point the way to further reading. The story moves at a cracking pace as the betrayal, brutality and bloodshed of internecine power struggles unfolds. On the face of it the salvation of the human race was the prize but increased wealth and prestige for the victors didn't hurt either. The basis of each heresy is explained as are the personalities involved.There are some standouts of course, and the tale of that martyr's martyr Jan Hus is of course compelling and inspirational. Certain of his salvation and protesting his innocence even as the flames were lit he went to his reward. For him, as for many others, heresy was heaven on a stake.Another is the tale of the Franciscans. That the followers of St Francis of Assisi wound up slaughtering each other was news to me and it is such a bizarre and sorrowful tale that I have purchased another kindle book covering their history in depth.While dungeons, torture chambers and battle hardened armies are no longer essential religious accoutrements and making out your will before an audience with the Pope is probably unnecessary, the human characteristics that give rise to totalitarianism are still very much with us. Let us hope that society continues to keep them in check.Overall this was a very good read and a fine addition to a medieval library. It is a good starting point for religious controversies and is a fairly easy read for the general reader.I thought the author struck a good balance between narrative flow and deep historical detail.But did she get the right balance? Since that which is right encompasses that which is good she passes and the matches stay in the pocket - for now.I read the kindle edition of the book and should say that some plates were missing. On my iPad I was able to jump to the Internet and follow up some there but none were vital anyway. I mention it however because I have found that some things that I find a minor irritation send others into a white knuckle fury, so kindle users be warned!

As a history major also minoring in Religious Studies, I have been greatly impressed by this book. I purchased it as required reading for a college course on Witchcraft and Heresy in Medieval Europe, and don't often keep textbooks after the course is over. This is one book that is going to remain in my library. I'm also a bit of a fanatic about keeping books clean, crisp and perfect condition... no highlights or notes, etc. Yet this book has so much good information that stands out I want to be able to find certain information quickly, and am highlighting the crap out of it. Very out of character for me. What this means to you is that this book is phenomenal and worth purchasing even if it isn't for a college course. If you're interested in History, Europe, the impact of religion and religious reformers as well as heretics and those burned at the stake for what they believed...this is the book to get. Great reading, detailed information, and gives excellent insights into events and people over more than a thousand year period. Buy it!

If you're buying this for class then be forewarned this book is not an easy read. It can be downright dull at certain chapters and hard to understand. I would not recommend buying this just to buy it for personal enjoyment.

I loved this book. It was required reading for my class on European witchcraft and heresy, and I loved every second of it. The author takes care to explain her word choice in depth, and the content of the book is so readable I might just go back and reread it for fun. The Kindle edition does not include page numbers, rather going by “location.”

This book was very well written and could be easily followed. The amount of research that the author put into this makes reading it very easy and interesting. Being an ex-Catholic, I had become appalled by what the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches had done throughout history in the name of "Christianity". I think one should always be aware of history and keeping yourself informed with books that reveal the past without bias makes it even easier to swallow the truth. You will find that in this book.

Concise scholarship; easy to understand language

I ordered this book for a Heresy and Witchcraft class. My two comments from giving this a 4-5 star is (i) the pictures did not download and (ii) it was not audible capable. Otherwise, this book was good read, written well and easy to follow and look up words or search for certain passages.

The flow of this book could have been better, though the information giving is interesting.