Product Description
"The authors allow medieval man and woman to speak for themselves through selections from past journals, songs, even account books."--Time
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a 17 year old freshman, I expected to have to force my way through the assigned chapters of what I expected to be a mega-boring dose of medieval torture. I was delighted enough to read the whole book in a weekend, and have picked it, and its sequels (which were not required reading), up again and again throughout the years.
What makes it unique is that its painstaking research is concisely and vividly presented, focusing on specific people within the strata of life within a medieval castle. It doesn't glorify, get bogged down in details, pity or condescend to its subject. There's dirt, disease and war along with everyday chores, pastimes, dining and amusement. It's a must read for anyone interested in an accurate and unembellished picture of the gamut of medieval society. I'm glad to see that it is still in print.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is an excellent start in study the workings of a Castle and how everyday life was in Medieval times. The starts with the Castle arriving in England, and then moves into the various aspects of Castle life, the function of the Lord and Lady, the running of a household, how hunting was not a sport, but a means of survival. It goes into how a knight was made, how the Castle function in warfare and then shows why Castles slowly faded away.
Excellent work for anyone interested in the topic and a must for Historical writers.
Excellent work for anyone interested in the topic and a must for Historical writers.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Life in a Medieval Castle is absolutely masterful! Extremely well researched, each chapter is a goldmine of information. The work not only offers a wonderful summary of the history of the development of the castle but also gives the reader a real feel for castle life. The text is engaging and very well written. Jargon specific to discussions of feudalism and castles is defined in concise tables at the back of the book. Liberally sprinkled with excellent photographs, the book provides extras, such as a schematic drawing of a castle and words and music to medieval songs (although I did find myself wishing that at least some of the plates could have been in color). The geographical guide to castles is comprehensive and examples are chosen with care. Bibliography is provided for each chapter for those readers who wish to study certain topics in-depth. Bibliographic selections are authoritative, current and comprehensive. The index is also well done and easy to use. The book is an excellent addition to reading lists for courses on the Middle Ages as well as an enjoyable read for anyone who wishes to learn more about medieval life.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
THE SOLACES OF THE UPPER HALF
They say that when a new book appears, you should re-read an old one. So, when Ian Mortimer's `Time-Traveller's Guide to the Middle Ages' came out not long ago, I re-read `Life in... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Stephen Cooper
Castles for the general reader
Life in a Medieval Castle is a really good book for people who have no real knowledge of castles. The Gies' have put medieval history back into popular view by their books on... Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2009 by Edward Rex
An American book with poor quality photographs
Be aware that this is an American book with all the American spelling and quirkiness such as calling Richard I throughout the book Richard tthe Lionhearted. Read more
Published on 18 Aug 2001
This is a very interesting book!
I love this book, though I'm still reading it. I like that it focuses on Chepstow Castle because I've been to Chepstow Castle when I was in Britain last summer. Read more
Published on 3 July 2001 by M. Bryson
Popular Highlights
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William in effect laid hold of all the land in England held by secular lordsarable, forest, and swamp; took a generous share (about a fifth) for his own royal demesne;
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Castle construction had a profound effect on the European political scene. Not only could a castle block invasion of a region, but it could also provide effective control over the local population.
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In addition to roasting and stewing, meat might be pounded to a paste, mixed with other ingredients, and served as a kind of custard.
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