In the second half of the 11th century. The civilization of the medieval West finally took shape. Of great importance in the process of its emergence was the multifaceted activities of the natives of one of the most interesting regions of medieval Europe - Normandy. The descendants of the Vikings, Celts, Franks and Romans created a model feudal state in the north-west of the Frankish kingdom. Over the course of several decades, the Normans conquered England and southern Italy, and were among the organizers and leaders of the first crusade. They founded Christian states in Palestine, became brilliant commanders, church hierarchs, scientists and architects. David Douglas's book, addressed to both a wide range of lovers of medieval history and specialists, practically for the first time introduces the Russian-speaking reader to the role played by the Normans in the formation of Western civilization and the deep internal consistency that is clearly visible in their actions.