Life During the Middle Ages

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Although the term Middle Ages is sometimes used interchangeably with the Dark Ages, the period from 500 to 1500, according to Rice, saw the forging of a new culture nestled between the ancient classical cultures and modern Europe. Indeed, life during the Middle Ages had its own unique structure, ranging from feudalism to the important roles of the nobility, the church, and the emerging middle class. These groups were a presence in both rural and urban life and pervaded everything from castles to craft guilds. This period also saw tremendous advancements in education, science, art, music, and architecture. However, it was also the time of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse--famine, pestilence, war, and death--which took an enormous toll on society. The author's discussion of the Four Horsemen is well detailed and insightful, especially the section on the Black Death. Rice also illustrates how the arts and sciences became the foundation of modern thought and practice. The text is broken up by clear black-and-white illustrations and informative maps that place the Middle Ages, its people, and its events into context. A useful source to begin reports on this topic.-Kristen Oravec, Woodridge Middle School, Peninsula, OH