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In Sacred Violence, Jill N. Claster brings new insight and focus to the history of the crusades. The book includes an 8-page color insert of illustrations, 12 maps, over 25 black-and-white illustrations, a chronology of the crusades, and a list of rulers.

This general survey of medieval European economy, society, and culture is intended as a first guide to the subject for college students. In writing The Medieval Experience, Jill Claster has been particularly concerned to demonstrate the vitality and diversity that the world of the Middle Ages achieved, despite the fact that "the physical aspects of life were exceedingly difficult." This very usable and accessible textbook is enhanced by illustrations and source quotations which help convey a sense of the period's historical texture. The range of topics explored is extensive. Economic factors such as progress in agriculture and the growth of commerce are thoroughly examined, as are the political and social histories of feudal Europe. Claster loks particularly closely at monasticism, the cultural influence of religion, and the revival of learning. She probes the problems faced by Jews in a predominantly Christian society, and contemplates as well the problems faced by women.

Fame at Last is the first book to use a detailed analysis of almost ten thousand obits to consider success, fame, and accomplishment in America. Drawing on a database that includes every New York Times obituary of the past six years, it highlights America's most important, famous, and fascinating achievers-the superrich, inventors, lawyers, doctors, actors, politicians, and chefs. The colorful, compelling stories of their lives reveal much about success and change in our most high-status worlds.And then there is the analysis of these many groups, shown in charts and tables. Which Americans get the longest obits and make it onto the Overall Apex of Fame? The Apex of Fame for authors? How do women do? Which eight schools educated almost 30 percent of those in the database? This lively and original book is a revealing look at who's who in America. What do the most successful people have in common? How is success in one field different from another? Fame at Last offers a complex but entertaining vision of achievement in America.