The Middle Ages: An Illustrated History (Oxford Illustrated Histories Y/A)
Grade 7 Up-Beginning with three major influences on the Middle Ages-Roman, Christian, and barbarian-Hanawalt paints a broad picture of this period with all of the diversity and excitement that is too often left out. From Clovis and Charlemagne to Vladimir and Harun al-Rashid, this account successfully weaves together the complexities of competing and merging interests and the cultural and social upheavals that resulted. Discussions of the Vikings as well as the increasing power and influence of the Roman Catholic Church emphasize key players and establish important trends and events. The importance of local communities and the varied roles that women played in the period are also developed. The black-and-white and full-color illustrations are varied, appropriate, and often dazzlingly effective as manuscripts and reproductions are used to depict topics such as courtly love and warfare. The text is laced with side panels that address in brief but sufficient detail such areas of interest as "Chain Mail and Knight's Weapons" and "Romanesque Cathedrals." This history is accurate, flowing, and fun. The appended chronology, glossary, and further-reading sections successfully cap an ambitious and effective effort. This work is a godsend for young adults who have graduated from "Eyewitness" books (DK) and are not ready for Norman Cantor's The Civilization of the Middle Ages (HarperCollins, 1994).Steve Matthews, Foxcroft School, Middleburg, VACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.