The third edition of Reading the Middle Ages retains the strengths of previous editions-thematic and geographical diversity, clear and informative introductions, and close integration with A Short History of the Middle Ages-and adds significant new materials, especially on the Byzantine and Islamic worlds and the Mediterranean region. The stunning "Reading through Looking" color insert, which showcases medieval artifacts and introduces how historians study medieval material culture, has been expanded to include essays on weapons and warfare by medievalist Riccardo Cristiani. New maps, timelines, and genealogies aid readers in following knotty but revealing sources. On the History Matters website ( students have access to hundreds of Questions for Reflection.