The Distant Mirror: Exploring the Medieval Ages

In this chapter, they discuss their lack of knowledge about the medieval ages and highlight a book called 'The Distant Mirror' as a recommended read to fill this knowledge gap. They also mention another book called 'Capital Corrosion in the formation of European States' by Charles Tilly, which serves as a good companion piece. They go on to discuss the fragmentation of kingdoms, the concentration of power in modern states, and the difficulties faced by rulers in projecting power in the past.