“Keen writes concisely and well, drawing upon a range of authoritative sources to summarize the main developments throughout the Later Middle Ages.” Amazon.com.au
: The book includes a rewritten introduction and useful bibliographies for further reading at the end of each chapter, making it a "very useful resource" for research. Critical Perspective
“As possibly the best existing synthesis of the period from 1290 to 1485, it will undoubtedly be recognised as a notable achievement in English historical scholarship.” Barnes & Noble England in the Later Middle Ages 2nd Edition
: The second edition includes updated discussions in each chapter regarding historical research from the decade preceding its 2003 release.
: Reviewers frequently highlight Keen’s "commanding precis," noting that he summarizes major thematic developments without losing the reader in excessive detail. “Keen writes concisely and well, drawing upon a
Maurice Keen's is widely regarded as a seminal political history that serves as a cornerstone for students of the period spanning 1290 to 1485. First published in 1973 and updated in 2003, it is praised for its ability to synthesize a complex era defined by the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses into a coherent and accessible narrative. Core Strengths
: While primarily a political history, this edition takes a "fresh look" at socio-economic factors, particularly the lasting impact of the plague and economic shifts. Maurice Keen's is widely regarded as a seminal
While highly rated (maintaining a 4.7-star presence on some platforms), the book's primary focus remains on political structures. Readers seeking a more purely social or cultural history might find Keen's other work, English Society in the Later Middle Ages , a more suitable companion to this political survey. Expert & Community Insights