MEDIEVAL LIFE (DK Eyewitness Books)

By Andrew Langley

Book Overview

New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text! The Middle Ages ran from the end of the Dark Ages to the Renaissance in the 15th century. This collection of superb photographs brings vividly to life rural and town life during that era - including the life of a peasant "tied to the soil," the power of the Church, and the rise of trade guilds. Starting with a description of the feudal system that existed in much of Europe, the book features artifacts, costumes, furniture, and building to illustrate daily medieval life. Discover the hardships of life on the land, as well as the magnificent tournaments of the royal court. Learn how food was prepared and served at a great banquet. See the illuminated chronicles kept by scholarly monks, and how master craftworkers used their skills to decorate the great cathedrals. Packed with fascinating facts, Medieval Life is a unique and compelling introduction to the people and culture of the Middle Ages.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789464756
• ISBN13: 9780789464750
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: DK Children
• Length: 63 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.3" x 0.5" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great for artists

I use this book as a handy reference and jumping off point when making medieval themed artworks. It gives a lot of insight to the culture and daily lives of people living in this period.

Beautifully illustrated, informative, and fun

The Dorling Kindersley (DK) publishing concern is justifiably celebrated for producing all kinds of colorfully illustrated and informative texts for all kinds of readers. As you'd expect, the two-page chapters in this 72-page book are highly pertinent, seizing on topics such as "The Medieval Soldier," "Saints and Pilgrims," "Tied to the Soil," "The Written Word," "The Islamic World." and "Fairs and Feast Days." The last few pages of this book provide a who's-who of major figures. Illustrations and photographs are particularly impressive. <i>from the book</i>: "Merchants were no longer simply wandering adventurers. They became dealers, employers, and ship-owners, sending their carriers along a network of trade routes linking the European cities. By 1300, cargo ships from Genoa and Venice in Italy were taking precious metals, silks and other luxuries from the Eastern Mediterranean out to England and Flanders (Belgium)." ("Trade and Commerce," p. 46.) This is an excellent book from which almost anyone can learn.

Beautiful Photos

In the Dorling Kindersley style, wonderful photographs of clothing, tools, furniture, weapons, musical instruments and more. I especially liked the page describing the process of illuminating and gilding a manuscript. Grades 6-12

Building a classic library for a granddaughter

I bought this for my 12-year old granddaughter as part of an effort to build a classics library for her (since the schools no long seem to stress the classics); she read it through, so the effort was worthwhile.

500-1500 = MEDIEVAL TIMES

I AM IN GRADE 4 AND I LEARNED ABOUT THE MIDDLE AGES IT WAS A GREAT GREAT UNIT BETTER THAN MATH AND ENGLISH I GOT AN A PLUS ON MY TEST I JUST LOVE HISTORY.I DK BOOKS

Limited info, but great pictures

DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful museum-quality photos of all things related to medival times, accompanied by informative captions and text. Learn about medieval life, from peasants to rich folks, their clothes, food, music, etc. The strength in this book lies in the photos, however, and this book isn't an exhaustive history of medieval times. Rather, it serves as a hook to interest people, and induce them to dig further, while giving them a bit more knowledge.If you know someone (young or old) who is fascinated by medieval times, then you must introduce them to this book!

Eyewitness Books are the BEST!

Knights, castles and medieval ways are vividly brought to life in this excellent book. Eyewitness books give you all the information you need in short text and captioned pictures...and they keep children's attention!