I just finished “Western Civilization to 1500” and am in the early lectures of the “since 1500” course and the lectures have been so interesting on your suggestion I’ve begun reading Cluny and The Popes of Avignon by Edwin Mullins.
Are there any Medieval music CD’s such as Gregorian chants or alike you’d recommend?
I’m Catholic so sacred music of the time would definitely interest me but I’m not opposed to secular music either. I’d like to purchase a few CD’s on iTunes or Amazon and if there was a compilation album you’d recommend I’d go in that direction.
That Greek one, in particular, is very well done. Note the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in the Biblical and the Nicene Creed in the original language.
Thanks for the response, I’ll check those out as well.
On a somewhat related note. I’d like to read a revisionist account of the Middle Ages similar to Tom’s How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization and believe that The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark may be what I’m looking for.
Are there any other books that along those lines that either of you would recommend?
I have some ideas on this, but I’m away from my office and files for the next couple of weeks. I’ll try to reply with a couple of suggestions after Oct. 6.
Rob, I apologize for not following up on this thread. It would be helpful if you could specify in what way you’re looking for a “revisionist” account. Are you looking for information on the economy, religion, philosophy? Stark paints with a broad brush, but his bibliography is probably a good source for mining.
No worries. I do enjoy reading books on specific people, places, and events but I find it helps me remember by tying it together with broader books as well. Listening (and re-listening) to your course is obviously a great way to learn. As for something to read I’ll give Stark’s book a try.
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