One of the best ways to learn about a culture is to figure out its sense of humour. In medieval Europe, this means looking at fabliaux: short, funny tales that demonstrate common stereotypes and jokes – usually sexual, violent, and containing a clear scapegoat.
One Year Anniversary of The Five-Minute Medievalist Book
April 3, 2017 by
I’m so excited to announce that this Thursday, April 6th, marks the first anniversary of my little book, The Five-Minute Medievalist!
New Medieval Books: Medievalism
April 2, 2017 by
Five recently published books that deal with medievalism.
The prank that tore apart the family of William the Conqueror
April 1, 2017 by
It is not surprising to hear of brothers playing pranks on each other. However, when your father is King of England, the ramifications could lead to more trouble than anyone would realize.
A Medieval Cure for Baldness
March 26, 2017 by
Medieval men also worried about losing their hair. They could turn to Hildegard of Bingen to provide them with a cure for baldness.
New Medieval Books: From Anarchy to Archaeology
March 26, 2017 by
Five more books that go from early medieval Europe to the Renaissance…
How Much Did It Cost to Build the Great Wall of China?
March 26, 2017 by
Admired the world over, the Great Wall of China’s construction came at a cost both in term of finances over the 2,000-year construction period, and in the lives of the military and civilians who built it.
Book Excerpt: Warriors and Kings The 1500-Year Battle For Celtic Britain by Martin Wall
March 22, 2017 by
For those of you looking for something Celtic to read this spring, author Martin Wall brings us Warriors and Kings: The 1500-Year Battle for Celtic Britain.
Book Review: Occupying Space in Medieval and Early Modern Britain and Ireland
March 21, 2017 by
Our review of ‘Occupying Space in Medieval and Early Modern Britain and Ireland’
New Medieval Books: From News to Games
March 19, 2017 by
Five more books for medievalists to take a look at.
The Medieval Magazine: (Volume 3, Issue 5)
March 19, 2017 by
The latest issue of the medieval magazine! The Legacy of St. Patrick, Florence – Part II: Visiting the Duomo, How King Arthur became one of the most pervasive legends of all time, A look at Ireland’s mysterious medieval round towers
Fish on Friday I: Economic Blessing or Dietary Sacrifice?
March 15, 2017 by
A lack of red meat on the medieval table meant the diners were having a humble meal, and fish was a convenient substitute protein.
New Medieval Books: From Paper to Prostitutes
March 12, 2017 by
This week’s five books takes you from the Mediterranean to the North Sea.
Book Review: A Medieval Woman’s Companion by Susan Signe Morrison
March 8, 2017 by
Susan Signe Morrison’s book, “A Medieval Woman’s Companion” brings the contributions of medieval women, famous and obscure, to the forefront in this fantastic introductory text.
Intercession and Motherhood: The Queenships of Philippa of Hainault and Anne of Bohemia
March 8, 2017 by
In this post, author Conor Byrne discusses the rule of two medieval queens: Anne of Bohemia and Philippa of Hainault.
10 Medieval Women You Should Know More About
March 7, 2017 by
Here are ten medieval women whose fascinating contributions deserve more recognition.
“One Freedom to All Human Beings”: Laura Cereta, Fifteenth-Century Women’s Champion
March 7, 2017 by
In medieval Italy, the nature and capabilities of women were being debated by both women and men, who fell on both sides of the argument. One voice among those was Laura Cereta’s.
Complaining about doctors in the 12th century
March 5, 2017 by
Doctors were around in the Middle Ages too, and according to one twelfth-century writer, many of them were failing their patients.
New Medieval Books: Boucicaut to Art Recipes
March 5, 2017 by
This week’s five new books goes into politics, making art and one of the greatest knights of the Middle Ages.
Leprosy and Plague in St Giles in the Fields
March 3, 2017 by
Author and historian, Rebecca Rideal, on leprosy in London during the Middles Ages and Early Modern period.
The Medieval Magazine: Celebrating International Women’s Day (Volume 3, Issue 4)
March 2, 2017 by
We’ve just released our latest issue of the Medieval Magazine in celebration of International Women’s Day!
“Now if this is your wish, I cannot blame you” – asking for a divorce in 1204
February 26, 2017 by
All day long I have a lonely heart and am pained by our separation. I feel that pain while writing these lines. But the choice is with you; the decision is in your hand: if you wish to carry the matter through, do so; if you wish to leave things as they are, do so.
New Medieval Books: From Ryukyu to Valhalla
February 26, 2017 by
This week’s five new books take you across the medieval world, exploring its sciences, myths and wars.
When St Andrews was the heart of medieval Scotland
February 24, 2017 by
Medieval St Andrews provides a pathway to an increased understanding of the medieval world.
Castle for Sale in New York
February 22, 2017 by
Looking for a medieval castle but want to stay in North America? Consider Highlands Castle, situated in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of New York State.
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