Edited by, among others, the director of the Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University, this multidisciplinary encyclopedia is described as "an introduction to the society and culture of England from the coming of the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century through the accession of the Tudor dynasty (1485) at the turn of the 16th century." Containing more than 700 entries by more than 300 international scholars, the volume encompasses the fields of Old English and Middle English language and literature, music and liturgy, history, and history of art. According to the introduction, it is designed to be accessible to the general reader as well as to the scholar.
Entries are arranged alphabetically and vary in length from a few lines to six or seven pages. Some longer entries are divided into subentries. Drama, vernacular, for example, is divided by genre, such as biblical plays and folk drama; while liturgy and church music, history of is divided by period. More than 170 of the entries are biographical, covering such individuals as Alfred the Great, Thomas Becket, Geoffrey Chaucer, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Margery Kempe, and Richard III. In addition, the reader will find entries for a host of topics from political history (Battle of Hastings, castles and fortification, treason); social history (chivalry, marriage and marriage law); economic history (agriculture and field systems, fairs and markets); and literature and the arts (Bayeux Tapestry, Piers Plowman, satire, vaulting). All entries conclude with a bibliography, generally divided into primary and secondary sources, and extensive see also references. As stated in the introduction, the content of the bibliographies "has been selected with an eye to accessibility for nonspecialist readers," although a university library would still be the place to go for most of the sources.
The A^-Z entries are supported by lists of kings and queens of England, archbishops of Canterbury and York, and popes, 590^-1502, as well as a glossary of musical and liturgical terms. Illustrations include diagrams showing architectural terms, a number of maps copied from other sources, and black-and-white photographs. In addition to the detailed index, there is a useful list of entries arranged by topic, such as "Religious Leaders" and "Musical and Liturgical Forms."
Although similar topics are covered in other sources, most notably Macmillan's 13-volume Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1982^-89), this nicely organized volume is unique in its focus on medieval England. In addition, it reflects more recent scholarship in a growing field. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Review
"[A]n invaluable reference work providing concise, expert answers to questions on all aspects of life and culture in medieval England...Highly recommended." -- The Bookwatch
An invaluable reference work providing concise, expert answers to questions on all aspects of life and culture in medieval England... Highly recommended.
–The Bookwatch
An outstanding reference book.
–Calliope on The Magna Carta, April 2000
This nicely organized volume is unique in its focus on medieval England. In addition, it reflects more recent scholarship in a growing field. Recommended.
–Booklist
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