This book is a brief, yet learned introduction to the evolution of the historical concept of the Middle Ages, problems involving its periodisation and the fundamental characteristics of medieval times.

Contents: Foreword: The Middle Ages and Modern Consciousness - 1. The History of the Idea of the Middle Ages - 2. The Periodisation Issue - 3. Selected General Topics for Judging the Middle Ages

Paolo Delogu teaches Medieval History at the University of Rome.