Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages

Solid, readable cultural history of the Middle Ages. Did a great job conveying what life was like. It gets off to a slow start, a little too much political history setting the stage. But it picks up by Part II. I particularly liked the chapter-focus on various themes: Crusades, Monks, Merchants, etc.

The tone is pretty dry and factual. Which I appreciate, I'd rather this than a dumb sexed up narrative. But then it's not a particularly fun or engaging read. More like homework than entertainment, but the knowledge it conveys is worth the effort.