In this ground-breaking new study, Jacques Le Goff, arguably the leading medievalist of his generation, presents his view of the primacy of the Middle Ages in the development of European history. [A] superb and necessary book. This provocative assessment from a lifetime of scholarship might help us to place ourselves, not just territorially, but in that other precious element of history: time' - The Guardian . 'A book that never fails to be informative, readable and provocative. Le Goff...has been the bravest and best of champions for medieval history. This book...is in every sense an inspiration' - BBC History Magazine . This book is praised by prominent figures in Europe and history including: Rt Hon Christopher Patten, CH, Former Member of the European Commission, and Neil Kinnock, Vice-President, European Commission.