Between 1095 and 1229, Western Europe confronted a series of alternative cultural possibilities that would fundamentally transform its social structures, its intellectual life, and its very identity. It was a period of difficult decisions and anxiety rather than a triumphant \'renaissance\'.In this fresh reassessment of the twelfth century, John D. Cotts:* shows how new social, economic and religious options challenged Europeans to re-imagine their place in the world* provides an overview of political life and detailed examples of the original thought and religious enthusiasm of the time* presents the Crusades as the century\'s defining movement.Ideal for students and scholars alike, this is an essential overview of a pivotal era in medieval history that arguably paved the way for a united Europe. 256 p.