First published in 1932, this book looks at a period that has often been thought of as a time of general decline in the most characteristic features of medieval civilisation. While acknowledging decline in many areas during this period — the power of the Church, feudalism, guilds, the Hanseatic League, the autonomy of towns and the end of the two Roman empires — the author argues that there was also signs of development. National consciousness, the power of the bourgeoisie and trade and industry all rose markedly in this period alongside intellectual and artistic achievements outside of Italy. This book asserts that in amongst the failure and decline new forces were creating new substitutes.
Introduction; Chapter I France, 1380-1407 — Charles VI and the Princes of the Lilies Chapter II France, 1407-1429 — Treason and Invasion Chapter III France, 1429-1461 — Expulsion of the English, and the Establishment of Royal Authority Chapter IV Germany, 1378-1410 — Wenzel and Rupert Chapter V The Great Schism, 1378-1413 Chapter VI Germany, 1410-1437 — Sigismund Chapter VII The Council of Constance Chapter VIII The Councils of Siena and Basel Chapter IX John Hus and his Followers Chapter X France, 1461-1494 Chapter XI The Greatness and Downfall of Burgundy Chapter XII France — Economic and Social Conditions Chapter XIII Germany, 1437-1493 — Kings and Princes Chapter XIV Germany — Social and Economic Conditions Chapter XV The Scandinavian Countries Chapter XVI Spain Chapter XVII Eastern Europe Chapter XVIII The Fall of the Byzantine Empire and the Turkish conquest of the Balkan Peninsula Chapter XIX Italian Politics Chapter XX The Papacy and the Church in the Latter Part of the Fifteenth Century Chapter XXI The Classical Renaissance and its Relation to Thought, Letters and Art in the Fifteenth Century Chapter XXII Science, Discovery and Invention in the Fifteenth Century; Genealogical Tales; Index
Biography
W.T. Waugh
