of this historical account. Langlois begins with a preface that outlines his intention to create a resource suitable for classroom instruction, emphasizing the need for clarity and accessibility in historical readings. He discusses the method of selecting extracts from contemporary scholarly works, rather than relying solely on original documents. Additionally, Langlois highlights the importance of bibliographic notices, which precede each chapter, aimed at guiding students to further readings and a deeper understanding of the subjects covered. The opening sets the stage for an educational journey through the complexities of the Middle Ages, reflecting the author's commitment to advancing historical knowledge. (This is an automatically generated summary.)