VOYA
Fourteenth-century England is highlighted in this well-researched, clearly written book. Childress covers broad issues such as the three medieval social groups, the criticisms of the clergy, and the constant warfare of Chaucer's era, yet she also delves into the details of daily life, including housing, food, clothing, and pastimes. The author gives just enough information to pique her readers' interest, and the information is packaged in useful quantities—short chapters are divided into shorter sections and punctuated with maps and illustrations. Although Chaucer and his works are used as examples, the book does not require knowledge of Chaucer, and the information is of interest to those in search of medieval history, not just medieval literature. This fine overview would be appropriate for high school teachers, college students, and high school students with a particular interest in the Middle Ages. For beginners, however, there will be some hard going—such as the short explanation of Wyclif's views of transubstantiation. Furthermore, in the Middle English quotations, which are always translated, Childress uses medieval letter forms such as yogh and thom without ever explaining them. Her illustrations, however, are admirable. These black-and-white photographs from appropriate medieval manuscripts always include useful captions. Schools in which units on the Middle Ages are taught in history or literature classes would benefit from having this book in their libraries. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject;Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, Linnet Books/Shoestring Press, 137p, Ages 16 to 18. Reviewer: Rebecca Barnhouse SOURCE: VOYA, April 2001 (Vol. 24, No.1)
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-The panorama of England from 1340 to 1400 is presented in a readable narrative that brings the world of The Canterbury Tales into sharp focus. Combining formidable scholarship with clear writing, the author describes the events of this historical period and links them with Chaucer's characters, and contrasts medieval society and culture with our own. Seven interesting chapters, enlivened by well-chosen black-and-white reproductions, discuss topics such as land and economy, social classes, religion, science, education, war, disease, daily life, fashions, family and marriage customs, and amusements. This book is a good complement to other frequently used works on the topic; it is more scholarly than Marchette Chute's venerable Geoffrey Chaucer of England (Dutton, 1946; o.p.) and more entertaining than Jeffrey L. Singman's Daily Life in Chaucer's England (Greenwood, 1995). A solid purchase for both school and public libraries.-Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Booknews
US writer and librarian Childress offers teachers and students a guide to 14th-century England, drawing on historical and archaeological sources and from Chaucer's life and work. She explains how society was organized and changing; religious, political, and economic tensions; science, medicine, and education; and other matters. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
