Nonfiction european history books? Suggestions/reviews, please?

Question

Hi, I have to read a nonfiction book about european history prior to 1500. I checked a bunch out of the library, but I have to write an essay about the book I chose. I was wondering if anyone has read any of the following, or had suggestions about what a good book to read would be (my library had basically only English history books, I'd also be interested in German or Scandinavian history if anyone ahs suggestions).

The books I checked out are:

A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman

Blood and Roses by Helen Caston

The Year 1000 by Danny Danziger

1215 by Danny Danziger

The Conquering Family by Thomas Costain

Illlustrated English Social History by G.M. Trevelyan

Thanks.

Answer 1

Wow, that's funny.  I actually own Blood and Roses, 1215, and The Conquering Family.  Since you HAVE to read this book, I suggest 1215 because it's a good background, not too long, and well-written.  The other two are really good too but I think they're more specialized and might not hold as much interest for someone who's not reading them voluntarily :o)