San Antonio College Library

Medieval castles are imposing structures that were built to withstand assaults. Devoted to defense, these designs found the balance between form and function. Modern Marvels explores the construction and purpose of these massive, multipurpose piles of stone.

Celebrated journalist Rageh Omaar readily acknowledges dual influences-from his British upbringing as well as his Islamic heritage-that have shaped his life and work. He has also given voice to the tensions between those two worlds. In this program, he traces the seeds of modern Europe back to the Muslim invasions of Spain, Italy, and France, offering rich historical discussion and making an eloquent plea for greater awareness of pre-Renaissance Islamic...

"This A-to-Z encyclopedia explores the phenomenon of the Crusades in all of its complexity, ranging from the classic numbered crusades in the Middle East to the Reconquista in Spain, and from the Baltic Crusades to the crusades against Albigensian heretics in France." "This is the most up-to-date reference source available, reflecting the most recent scholarship in the field. More than 200 entries are extensively cross-referenced, and many provide...

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...