MYSTERIES OF THE MIDDLE AGES The Rise of Feminism, Science and Art From the Cults of Catholic Europe

This abridged history takes the listener from the Dark Ages to the beginnings of the Renaissance. Cahill presents history in a fascinating and engaging manner. He reads his text carefully, as though lecturing to a class, so the listener grasps the concepts without getting caught in the minute details. At first his reading seems stiff, but soon Cahill relaxes into his topic. Cahill's topics include the medieval thinkers Peter Abelard and Thomas Aquinas; artists such as Giotto and Michelangelo; and writers, in particular, Dante. Feminism is covered as part of the discussions of the Cult of the Virgin Mary, courtly love, and women mystics, such as Hildegard of Bingen. This history lesson encourages listeners to pursue the unabridged book, as well as Cahill's earlier works. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]