Advertisement
Books Features

Five Medieval Books recommended by the Five-Minute Medievalist

5 medieval books

By Danièle Cybulskie

Chances are, if you’re a regular visitor to Medievalists.net, you’re a person who’s always in search of a great, historical read. I have a huge stack of books that I’m dying to read (and hope to tell you about), but in the meantime, here are just a few of the non-fiction books I’ve read and enjoyed. They reflect my interest in the UK and France (especially the fourteenth century), as you’ll see.

9780099481751A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc Morris

Advertisement

If your only exposure to Edward I (Longshanks) comes from Braveheart, you’re missing out. Edward I was a fascinating king who was aptly described as both great and terrible. Determined to repress rebellions in both Wales and Scotland during his reign, Edward I commissioned some of the most formidable and memorable castles in Wales, the ruins of which you can still visit today. In addition to being “The Hammer of the Scots”, Edward seems to have been a man who cared about those close to him, and who mourned the death of his wife by placing beautiful stone crosses in her memory. Morris’ account of Edward’s life and reign is comfortably readable for non-historians, but is packed full of information. After having read this book, you’ll come away convinced Edward I should be remembered for far more than just the length of his legs.

{BDAAD3DA-F791-459C-A4DD-1608BA90A7B2}Img100Isabella: She-Wolf of France, Queen of England by Alison Weir

Edward I’s daughter-in-law Isabella should also be remembered for far more than Braveheart (in fact, if you’re thinking of Isabella in terms of Braveheart at all, it’s time to erase that part of your memory). In life, Isabella was the wife of Edward II of England, although it’s arguable that the two had much of a marriage at all. Weir tells the story of Isabella in a way that illustrates the many difficulties she faced in being a French princess, unhappily married to an English prince who was most likely gay. While her role in overthrowing her husband in favour of her son (Edward III) has left her often painted as a villainess, Weir’s insightful reading of history allows readers to see the human side of Isabella’s choices, bad and good.

Advertisement

111220Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life by Alison Weir

For those of you who love English queens, Alison Weir has also written a biography of one of the most interesting queens in medieval history. Married to both Louis VII of France and (later) Henry II of England, Eleanor was the mother of “The Devil’s Brood”: rebellious and power-hungry sons, including Henry (the Young King), Richard I (Lionheart), and John (Lackland). Eleanor’s story shows just how influential a queen could be, especially when she was the duchess of a huge part of what is now modern France. This is a worthwhile look at one of the most colourful characters in the Middle Ages, and at many of the legendary men whose lives she was a part of. (For those who’d prefer fiction, you can read Weir’s novel about Eleanor: Captive Queen).

jones-who_murdered_chaucerWho Murdered Chaucer? A Medieval Mystery by Terry Jones

I mention this one because it is an interesting take on an interesting question: what happened to Chaucer? Terry Jones is not just a Monty Python alumnus, but a reputable scholar, and his research into this topic spans both historical documents, and literature. While he does take great leaps, and I wouldn’t say I’m sold on his conclusion (I’ll leave you to find out what it is on your own) I appreciate the questions he asks, and the emphasis he places on literature being an important part of our understanding of the past. Readers will come away with new ideas about Chaucer’s disappearance from public record, but also more information about the overthrow of Richard II, and the extremely volatile political climate of the time.

medieval-lives-pb-visual-7lMedieval Lives by Terry Jones

I thought I’d follow on with Jones for one more minute, while I’m at it. Medieval Lives is a great read for both those people who need convincing that medieval people were not mud-slinging cave-dwellers, as well as for those people who already know that medieval people were pretty darned awesome. Of all the books on this list, this is the most reader-friendly, and takes quick looks at the roles of peasants, philosophers, knights, and monks (and more!) in the Middle Ages. While it’s certainly not the definitive work on the medieval period, it’s fun, and full of the type of historical nuggets you can throw out at cocktail parties.

There are so many more great books to read about the Middle Ages that this list doesn’t even begin to skim the surface. These books made me think and question and argue and learn, though (as all good books should!), and I hope they do the same for you.

Advertisement

You can follow Danièle Cybulskie on Twitter @5MinMedievalist

Click here to read more articles from the Five-Minute Medievalist

Advertisement