Best Medieval History Encyclopedias: 2 Reference Sets Compared

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Choosing a medieval history reference can be tricky when you want a set that matches the topics and period you have in mind.

Their stated coverage and reference features can help you see what each work includes, from themed sections and bibliographies to entries, illustrations, and maps.

This time, we’ll round up Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages and The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages.

Quick-reference table of recommended products

Product name	Volumes in set	Coverage / organization	Reference features
Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (2 vols.)	2 volumes	Medieval European history and culture, c. 500–c. 1500; organized in eight themed sections	Interdisciplinary and comparative approach; extensive bibliography
The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (4 volume set)	4 volumes	European history, society, religion, and culture from circa 500 CE to circa 1500 CE; includes relevant aspects of the Byzantine Empire, Islamic dynasties, and medieval Asia	Over 5,000 entries; more than 500 illustrations; 40 maps

Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (2 vols.)

For readers who want an interdisciplinary reference to medieval European history and culture, Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages is recommended. Its coverage spans c. 500–c. 1500 and is organized into eight themed sections, from society and faith to technology and historical regions, helping readers explore the period through several areas of medieval life. The two-volume English-language hardcover set includes an extensive bibliography, which supports readers who want references for further exploration of its topics.

Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (2 vols.)

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The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (4 volume set)

For readers seeking a broad reference for studying medieval Europe and its surrounding influences, The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages is recommended. Its four volumes cover European history, society, religion, and culture from circa 500 CE to circa 1500 CE, with relevant aspects of the Byzantine Empire, Islamic dynasties, and medieval Asia also included. With over 5,000 entries, more than 500 illustrations, and 40 maps, this English-language hardcover set offers an extensive guide for medievalists’ research and teaching as well as for non-specialists exploring the Middle Ages.

The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (4 volume set)

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Choosing a Medieval History Encyclopedia

• Readers seeking an interdisciplinary reference to medieval European history and culture
  • Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (2 vols.)
• Readers looking for a reference covering medieval Europe alongside relevant Byzantine, Islamic, and Asian topics
  • The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (4 volume set)
• Medievalists seeking a reference for research and teaching, or non-specialists looking for a guide to the Middle Ages
  • The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (4 volume set)