How did the Sunni Shiite split in medieval times bring about modern tensions between Iran and Iraq? "Middle Ages Reference Library" helps students answer this question and many other enigmas by encouraging them to see how events and ideas are linked. Included in this set are: "Middle Ages: Almanac," covering the different civilizations and peoples of Medieval times; "Middle Ages: Biographies," a 2-vol. compilation of biographical essays on significant individuals of the era; and "Middle Ages: Primary Sources," presenting an insightful collection of excerpts from relevant letters, journal entries, poems and more from the era.

Search the extensive U - X - L "Middle Ages Reference Library" with ease with this cumulative index to the entire set.

"Middle Ages: Primary Sources" contains excerpts from speeches, journal entries, poems, letters and many other documents relating to the era that encompass both key documents and those sources that are equally as important, but less known. Each of the 19 entries contains an introduction that provides context, highlights central ideas and gives brief biographical information on related individuals. Sources for further information are also noted as well as full document citations. "Middle Ages: Primary Sources" features excerpts and full-text writings of the era from all over the world and includes: "Beowulf" "Song of Roland" Domesday book of Norman England Writings on alchemy, medicine and other sciences "Secret History" "Chronographia" "Koran" "Thousand and One Nights" "The Description of the World" Letter from Pope Gregory VII to King Henry IV Letter from a Crusader to his wife Magna Carta And many others

Also included are 100 photographs and illustrations, sidebars, timeline, glossary, and a subject index.

"Middle Ages: Almanac" includes 19 chapters arranged by geographic location and dedicated to a different civilization, their origins, conflicts and struggles for power in the Middle Ages. From the Arab and Muslim worlds to the European Crusades, "Middle Ages: Almanac" presents the phases of history that defined the era. Each chapter begins with a map displaying the geographic location of the civilization followed by a description of its origins, history and importance. Also included are sidebars containing lists of unfamiliar words and suggestions for classroom activities as well as 100 photographs and illustrations, sidebars, timeline, glossary, and a subject index.