Regarding the first edition: Hechberger's discussions on his complex subject are consistently well-structured, coherent in thought, and concise in formulation. The way he outlines a broad and multifaceted research field demonstrates impressive erudition and a confident understanding of the material, allowing him to summarize scientific contributions accurately and place them securely within larger contexts. Tobias Weller, H-Soz-u-Kult, February 2005. Werner Hechberger's compact introduction to the history of the nobility in the Middle Ages offers an ideal guide through the current state of research. The thematically organized source and literature list provides researchers and students with a precise overview of the most important elite of the Middle Ages, which dominated all areas of society and politics almost unchallenged.