All Things Medieval: An Encyclopedia of the Medieval World [2 volumes]

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Description

This insightful survey of the "things" of medieval Europe allows modern readers to understand what they looked like, what they were made of, how they were created, and how they were used. All Things Medieval: An Encyclopedia of the Medieval World covers the widest definition of "medieval Europe" possible, not by covering history in the traditional, textbook manner of listing wars, leaders, and significant historic events, but by presenting detailed alphabetical entries that describe the artifacts of medieval Europe. By examining the hidden material culture and by presenting information about topics that few books coverpottery, locks and keys, shoes, weaving looms, barrels, toys, pets, ink, kitchen utensils, and much morereaders get invaluable insights into the nature of life during that time period and area. The heartland European regions such as England, France, Italy, and Germany are covered extensively, and information regarding the objects of regions such as Byzantium, Muslim Spain, and Scandinavia are also included. For each topic of material culture, the entry considers the full scope of the medieval periodroughly 5001450to give the reader a historical perspective of related traditions or inventions and describes the craftsmen and tools that produced it.

Reviews

This is an enjoyable general introduction to medieval Europe which would be useful in public and high school libraries. * Reference Reviews *
The more one uses this encyclopedia the more one likes it. Too often, beginning researchers become bogged down in personalities related to a topic; this work steers users toward an overview before they delve into the complexities of the period's people. Summing up: Recommended. * Choice *
All Things Medieval is a unique reference source because it covers topics that are rarely discussed in most historical encyclopedias. Because of its easy-to-read style, this set is highly recommended for junior high and high school libraries and public libraries. * Booklist *
This is a book you can read end-to-end for pleasure . . . . This is readable. The author is clearly having immense fun wallowing in the era and at the same time understanding it. . . . It's certainly a book you won't regret having. * Black Gate *

Author Bio

Ruth A. Johnston is an independent scholar with a research specialty in medieval literature and languages.