Lessons From History

What do we really know about the Middle Ages, the period from about 1000 to 1600? Osher’s history discussion group will read and discuss Ian Mortimer’s Medieval Horizons—Why the Middle Ages Matter. Mortimer challenges the stereotypical view of the Middle Ages as backward and unchanging, arguing instead that it was a period of radical transformation in Western society. Highlighting changes in areas such as literacy, living standards, speed, comfort, inequality and self-awareness, he argues that the medieval era witnessed expanding conceptual horizons and innovations that laid the groundwork for the modern world. The only prerequisite for joining this group is a curiosity about history. Each session will be led by a different member of our decades-long group. The discussions will be fully interactive, offering a unique opportunity to gain insights and perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Medieval Horizons—Why the Middle Ages Matter by Ian Mortimer is available online from many sources and in several formats. For the paperback version, look for ISBN: 978-0-7953-0109-4.

April 6: Introduction and Chapter 1 (Pages 1–49)
April 20: Chapters 2 and 3 (Pages 50–102)
May 4: Chapters 4 and 5 (Pages 103–144)
May 18: Chapters 6 and 7 (Pages 145–206)
June 1: Reflection and wrap up