Customer Reviews

What Really Happened During The Middle Ages: A Collection Of Historical Biographies (What Really Happened...)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love the "What Really Happened..." series of books! Each story is the perfect length for reading aloud in one sitting, and the stories bring to life many of the important people from the time period. "What Happened in the Middle Ages" is a story book, not a book about theology, and it doesn't attempt to sort out all the religious differences of the time period. The stories of St. Patrick, Theodora, Alcuin, Wenceslas, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, Johann Gutenberg and Martin Luther are presented in an approachable and authentic way that my children and I both enjoy.

Biographies were always my favorite books as a kid, but my children prefer stories. As a homeschooler, I'm always looking for fun, entertaining ways for my children to learn--without realizing they're learning! So I was so excited when I got this book because these biographies of Middle Age heroes read like stories, not typical dry recitations of facts about a person's life. The biographies cover St. Patrick, Gutenberg, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Alcuin, Empress Theodora (Justinian's wife), and Good King Wenceslas (that's right, it's not just a Christmas song!). These make a wonderful read-aloud for elementary aged kids; middle schoolers and high schoolers can read them easily on their own. Overall, a wonderful supplement for the study of Middle Age history. We also have "What Really Happened in Ancient Times" and plan to buy "What Really Happened in Colonial Times" because the series is that good.

We have really enjoyed this book as a read aloud in our homeschool. History comes alive when we spend time learning about the lives of those who have come before us. It is wonderful to sit snuggled on the couch reading these stories to my children and being transported back to the Middle Ages. For the past couple of years, it has become tradition to read the story of St. Patrick and St. Patrick's Day. History is about people, and this book does an excellent job and bring to life ages that have passed.

"What Really Happened During the Middle Ages" includes biographies on St. Patrick, Theodora, Alcuin, Good King Wenseslas, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, Johann Gutenberg, and Martin Luther.

The book is easy to read and written to interest students of all ages, whether as a read-aloud or read alone (recommended for ages 8+). This book is guaranteed to get your children interested in history! The biographies are written by current authors and even some homeschoolers! Highly recommended. I'm looking forward to reading "What Really Happened in Modern Times" coming out in Spring 2008.

This book is well written and does liven up a study of the Middle Ages. However, it does pose some problems for Catholic homeschoolers. This is not a book I would hand to my children. As a read-aloud I can use the stories that are wonderful (like St. Patrick) and either skip or adapt the problematic ones.

We love this book & I hugly recommend the other books that Terri Johnson has written. This book was a great addition to our study of the middle ages!!! Thanks Terri!!!!

This book was certainly interesting, and gave various perspectives on people in history. I appreciated the thoughtful and intelligent writing.

One difficulty I have with many writings on some historical figures, especially those from the Catholic church, is the assumption and treatment of these persons as genuine Christians. Perhaps some were, such as Saint Patrick, as only the Lord knows for sure, but when these folks are teaching Roman Catholic dogma and pointing others to the pope and Mary as having the authority and power that only Jesus has, then there is definitely a problem. At the very least, it would be good to include some reasons to wonder about their salvation, based solely on what the Bible teaches, not on someone's opinion.