The Story of the World Volume 2: The Middle Ages

The Story of the World Volume 2: The Middle Ages by Susan Wise Bauer is the second installment in one of the most beloved history curricula for homeschooling families. Covering the period from 400 to 1600 CE, this narrative-driven textbook transforms complex historical events into engaging stories that captivate young readers while building a solid foundation in world history.

Volume 2 takes students on a journey through the fall of Rome, the rise of Islam, medieval Europe, the Viking Age, the Crusades, the Mongol Empire, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. Each chapter reads like a story rather than a dry textbook, making history come alive for elementary-age children. The book covers civilizations across the globe — from feudal Japan and the African kingdoms to the Byzantine Empire and the Aztec civilization — giving students a truly world-centered perspective on the Middle Ages.

What makes The Story of the World series stand out is its classical education approach. The four-volume series is designed for a four-year history cycle, with each volume read once during grades 1–4 and again at a deeper level during grades 5–8. This spiral approach means students encounter the same periods twice, building comprehension each time. The narrative style is accessible enough for young children to enjoy as a read-aloud while containing enough substance for older students to study independently.

The book includes maps, illustrations, and pronunciation guides for unfamiliar names and places. A companion Activity Book (sold separately) provides narration exercises, mapwork, coloring pages, and hands-on projects that bring each chapter to life. Many homeschool families pair the text with literature, documentaries, and field trips to create a rich, multi-sensory history experience.

With over 1.3 million copies sold across the series, The Story of the World has become a staple in classical and Charlotte Mason homeschool programs alike. Parents love it for its engaging writing, and students love it because history finally feels like a story worth following.