Life in a Medieval Village by Frances Gies

This book takes readers into the fascinating world of medieval life through historic pictures, period illustrations and detailed text that describes everything from castle-storming techniques to villagers' hair styles. Town Government 16.A Vivid, Detailed Account of Birth, Marriage and Death Food, Clothing and Housing Love and Labor in the Middle Agesĭaily Life in Medieval Times is a fully-illustrated edition of the classic and popular books of history and anthropology by Frances and Joseph Gies - Life in a Medieval Castle, Life in a Medieval City and Life in a Medieval Village. Here is a list of the chapters/subjects: * Prologue 1. This book is written for general readership and seems to always jump to the next chapter just as soon as my interest was piqued. Not super deep, but VERY interesting with some great nuggets. Joseph and Frances Gies examine everything from medicine to women to the church and cathedrals in Medieval Europe, focusing their historical lense on Troyes, which at the time was a prosperous center of commerce in Europe. 'Anything written in a book has a certain sacredness, all the established authors are authorities, and all are timeless, from Aesop to Horace.' - Joseph & Frances Gies v A nice survey of Troyes in 1250 AD. The weddings of wealthier townsfolk were lavish affairs full of song and dance and drinking that could sometimes last for weeks. The church was a hub of both religious and civic life services were lively and filled with song, and baptisms and other special occasions brought neighbors together to celebrate. There were schools for the children, though only boys could attend and the lessons were taught in Latin by a priest. A developed economy, focusing on textiles, farming, and financial services, could be found in the town center, where craftsmen competed for business while adhering to the guilds' codes of conduct. Urban life in the Middle Ages revolved around the home, often a mixed-use dwelling for burghers with a store or workshop on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs.

Acclaimed historians Frances and Joseph Gies focus on a high point of medieval civilization - before war and the Black Death ravaged Europe - providing a fascinating window into the sophistication of a period we too often dismiss as backward. Life in a Medieval City is the classic account of the year 1250 in the city of Troyes, in modern-day France.

Life in a Medieval Village by Frances Gies