"The Long Summer" (book by Brian Fagan)

"The Long Summer" by Brian Fagan explores a period of unusually warm and stable climate conditions in Europe from around 950 to 1250 AD, often called the Medieval Warm Period. This climate shift led to longer growing seasons, increased agricultural productivity, population growth, and societal development. Fagan examines how these environmental changes affected medieval civilization, enabling cultural flourishing and expansion, before cooler, harsher climates later contributed to social upheaval. The book highlights the deep connection between climate and human history, illustrating how natural variability can shape societies over centuries.