There was relatively little commerce in Western Europe. Roads, bridges, and the infrastructure generally were non-existent. Furthermore, the countryside was unsafe for travel due to a lack of organized law enforcement. Small villages had to take care of themselves; therefore, manufacturing was carried on only to the extent that was needed to supply local needs. In the little kingdoms or principalities, the lands over which a King ruled were regarded as no different from other …showed first 75 words of 1358 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1358 total…decisions and took certain actions or the long-term effects of his actions. The author infers most of the conclusions included in this paper in a vague way. At times, I found myself groping for conclusions as to why certain actions were taken. This book provides the reader with hard facts about the Middle Ages in Europe. It does not allow the reader to draw many theories as to the ideas and feelings of the people.