Product Description The years between 900 and 1200 saw transformative social change in Europe, including the creation of extensive town-dwelling populations and the proliferation of feudalised elites and bureaucratic monarchies. In England these developments were complicated and accelerated by repeated episodes of invasion, migration and changes of regime. In this book, scholars from disciplines including history, archaeology and literature reflect on the major trends which shaped English society in these years of transition and select key themes which encapsulate the period. The authors explore the landscape of England, its mineral wealth, its towns and rural life, the health, behaviour and obligations of its inhabitants, patterns of spiritual and intellectual life and the polyglot nature of its population and culture. What emerges is an insight into the complexity, diversity and richness of this formative period of English history. Review "Recommended." -Choice "This collection of thirty essays by field leaders, expertly edited by Julia Crick and Elisabeth van Houts, is...very welcome and has much to offer medieval history. Going far beyond considerations of government, and taking in change alongside continuity, it makes important contributions...All are excellent surveys and overviews, accessible to students and non-specialists, reinforcing and enlightening to veterans." -Alex Burghart, Times Literary Supplement Book Description This book offers fresh views of the most traumatic period of English history when England was conquered twice in fifty years by Danish and Norman kings and when the influx of foreigners caused major ethnic tension in all areas of life: family, town and countryside, court and church. About the Author Julia Crick is Associate Professor in the Department of History, University of Exeter. Her research interests include property, power an