First published to wide critical acclaim in 1992 The Two Cities has become an essential text for students of medieval history. For the second edition the author has thoroughly revised each chapter bringing the material up to date & taking the historiography of the past decade into account. The Two Cities covers a colourful period from the schism between the eastern & western churches to the death of Dante. It encompasses key topics such as: the Crusades the expansionist force of the Normans major developments in the way kings emperors & Popes exercised their powers a great flourishing of art & architecture the foundation of the very first universities. Running through it all is the defining characteristic of the high Middle Ages: the delicate relationship between the spiritual & secular worlds the two cities of the title. This survey provides all the facts & background information that students need & is defined into straightforward thematic chapters. It makes extensive use of primary sources & makes new trends in research accessible to students. Its fresh approach gives students the most rounded lively & integrated view of the high Middle Ages available.