A Source Book for Mediæval History Selected Documents illustrating the History of Europe in the Middle Age

"A Source Book for Mediæval History" by Oliver J. Thatcher, along with Edgar Holmes McNeal, is a historical compilation that gathers translated documents shedding light on Europe's Middle Ages, spotlighting events, people, and shifts that defined the era. Written in the early 20th century, the authors aim to equip educators and students with accessible and insightful original materials to deepen their understanding of medieval history. The book starts by explaining the need for such a collection, given the lack of easily available original texts for teaching. Thatcher and McNeal focus on assembling essential documents, enhanced with notes and explanations for clarity, to showcase vital parts of the medieval storyline, especially the rise of the Holy Roman Empire and the impact of leaders such as Karl the Great. However, they advise against interpreting this sourcebook as a full historical overview, rather as a useful add-on for educational purposes.