The Czech Lands in Medieval Transformation

Historians and students of the Middle Ages will celebrate the publication of this superb history, the first in-depth history of medieval eastern Central Europe to appear in English. Based on archaeological study in combinatin with written sources, the history was first published in Czech in 2005 and has been painstakingly revised for this excellent English translation. Klapste (medieval archaeology, Charles U., Prague) builds the reader's understanding of the various aspects of the Czech medieval world through specific examples, proceeding both chronologically and thematically, with in-depth chapters on the rise of nobility, rural life, and the development of town life. Klapste's close familiarity with the region's medieval archaeology elevates this history to the highest standard, as he presents detailed descriptions of the particulars of medieval lives, homes, churches, defenses, and surroundings. The volume is well illustrated with b&w images. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jan Klap?te (1949), is professor of Medieval Archaeology at Charles University in Prague. His work is published widely in local and international journals and volumes. He is editor of the proceedings of Ruralia (1996 onwards).