Life in a Medieval Monastery

Children's Literature

Daily prayer, the first topic covered in this overview includes a box with a monk's winter schedule that shows what a great amount of time was spent in prayer. The book explains how one joins a monastery and describes the many tasks monks fitted in around their prayers as well as their clothing, food, and hygiene. It also tells how monasteries were centers of study where books were copied. It looks at monasteries, monks and nuns from around the world and points out a few of the most famous. An interesting drawing of a typical monastery has cutlines printed in white that are difficult to read in a few places. Printed on simulated parchment paper, the book contains many colorful illustrations from Medieval sources, complemented by contemporary illustrations. The 32-page book includes a map, a time line, a glossary, and an index. This book is a good enough overview, but Tony McAleavy's Life in a Medieval Abbey is so much better. In its 64 fascinating, easy-to-read, fact-filled pages, it cites much intriguing material from primary sources, and provides cutlines with its wonderful illustrations to add interesting information. 2005, Crabtree Publishing Company, and Ages 7 to 14.
—Janet Crane Barley