pt. 1: Disintegration of the Ancient world. The Roman world and its enemies -- The affirmation of faith -- The self-assertion of the north -- pt. 2: Breaking new ground. Shaping new forces -- Christendom on the move -- Setting up a new order -- The growth of towns -- pt. 3: Fruits of civilization. Urban society. Town government -- Trade -- Industry -- Everyday life -- Travel -- Education -- Science and medicine -- Rural society. The social structure -- Hunting and fishing -- The arts. Architecture -- Stone sculpture -- Woodwork -- Stories in painted glass -- Music -- Literature -- Manuscript illumination -- pt. 4: Consolidation of the land. Separate identities -- The axis of Western Europe -- Epilogue: Europe discovers the world.