What to read after Medieval Germany, 500-1300?

Medieval Germany 500-1300" is a Bold, Comprehensive political interpretation of the foundation of Germany based upon its three most outstanding characteristics: its division into several distinct peoples with their own customs, dialects, and economic interests; the imperial ambitions to which the successive ruling dynasties of Germany aspired; and the structure of German kingship, which was a military, religious, and juridicial exercise of authority rather than a meticulous administration based upon scribal institutions.

Although there were no 'German people' as a distinct, unified people until the end of the Middle Ages, unlike the situations of the French and English, Arnold argues that there still existed a German supra-national notion of empire with an identity both provincial and universal. This paradox was supported by a kingship that produced an extraordinary variety of military, juridicial, religious, economic, dynastic, and ideological methods of rule. Professor Arnold focuses upon and examines these and other contraditions that constituted medieval German political reality.

Based upon a thorough study of the documentation, the interactions of peoples, empire, and kingdom in medieval Germany are presented in a new light.