The twelfth-century bishop Otto of Freising was the outstanding historian of his century. The Two Cities was his masterwork, spanning in time from Adam and Eve to the coming of the last days-which he believed had actually begun. In form and philosophy, it stands as a landmark in medieval historiography. As a brother of the Emperor, Otto had an insider's view on the significant events of his day, including the Investiture Controversy and the Second Crusade. His book records how one man grasped for hope as he felt the world dissolving around him.

The 12th-century bishop Otto of Freising was an outstanding historian of his century. "The Two Cities" was his masterwork, spanning in time from Adam and Eve to the coming of the last days - which he believed were imminent. In form and philosophy it stands as a model of medieval historiography. Related to the court of the Holy Roman Empire, Otto was able to observe the significant events of his day, including the Investiture Controversy and the Second Crusade. He also offers a view of St Bernard of Clairvaux.