The Countryside (Life in the Middle Ages)
Grade 5-9-These books focus on different aspects of medieval life. The volumes open with a good general overview of the period, followed by a host of extensive and well-documented details. Because of the rather formal writing style, few youngsters will read them from cover to cover, but report writers will be richly rewarded. The texts provide clear explanations of the people, places, and cultural events of this intriguing time. Interesting sidebars feature recipes, games, and stories. Black-and-white and full-color reproductions of artwork taken from libraries and museums appear throughout. When the author writes about the communities in which people lived, the carefully selected art depicts a medieval village in England or a typical marketplace in medieval France. Teachers will appreciate the way Chaucer's characters from The Canterbury Tales are mentioned in both of the volumes. Attractive, information-rich resources.Carrie Lynn Cooper, Eastern Kentucky University, RichmondCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.