Hey there,
I'm a Marketing student working on a thesis paper that is in the very early stages of research. The general idea of the paper is in relation to fiefs and how they're similar to modern branding and marketing. Of course this is more so like the later feudal grants, etc. I am looking for a book that can teach me about the fiefs and feudalism in Europe. Length and complexity are no issue, same with amount of books. I'd really like to research the religious and political goings on at the time too (hopefully there's a book with all of this info in there somewhere.) If you have any ideas that would be killer. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Well if complexity is no issue, then I would recommend Elizabeth A. R. Brown, "The Tyranny of a Construct: Feudalism and Historians of Medieval Europe," The American Historical Review, Vol. 79, No. 4 (Oct., 1974), pp. 1063-1088, because as any of the medievalists here will probably tell you, although "feudalism" can be a useful abstract way of envisioning the Middle Ages, it really breaks down as a concept once you look at specific areas and time periods.
After that brief background, you should also check out Susan Reynolds, Fiefs and Vassals: The Medieval Evidence Reinterpreted (Oxford University Press, 1994).
You should definitely also take a look at the relevant section of the FAQ for more answers and suggested readings!