Church History (Reading List)

Thomas Bokenkotter. A Concise History of the Catholic Church.
Popular history of the Church, focuses on the lives of the major players in Church History.

Jose Orlandis. Short History of the Catholic Church. (2nd Edition)
Excellent concise history, formatted in numbered paragraphs. Gives insightful context to the major events.

C.H. Lawrence. Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages
Brilliant historical study. Monastic orders were at the cutting edge of progress in agricultural and iron smelting technologies – all in addition to serving the poor, providing hospital care and giving shelter to travelers.