Carl Stephenson's essay sets out with luminous clarity the structure of  power in European society during the medieval period. Not only does the  author set out the political structure of feudalism clearly and  concisely, but also its economic and historical origins, and he  brings  to life feudalism's social and cultural consequences.  As valuable as  the information in the book is to those interested in the book's  immediate subject, the book is also important as a model of brilliant  expository writing.That it is still in print after over fifty years is a  testament to its staying power. It is now time for its broader audience  to find it.