New Takes on Medieval Life
New works of nonfiction bust myths about the people and progress of the Middle Ages by providing new perspectives on this often misunderstood time period.
The Middle Ages: A Graphic History
Eleanor Janega, Sep 2021, Icon Books
Themes: graphic history, European history, Middle Ages, Medieval
THE MIDDLE AGES is a highly illustrated history of Medieval times. Combining engaging visuals with a conversational approach, this graphic history provides a useful overview with many specific examples and lots of fun along the way.
Take-aways: Rather than a dark period in history, Janega stresses that Medieval times featured art, culture, and intellectual development. Contains lots of ideas for reluctant learners and useful examples.
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages
Dan Jones, Nov 2021, Viking/8 Titles
Themes: Europe history, Middle Ages, Medieval
POWERS AND THRONES explores a thousand years of medieval history. Divided into four parts: imperium, dominion, rebirth, and revolution, each section explores key individuals, transformational events, and enduring themes
Take-aways: Of particular note is Jones’ global approach to this time period while maintaining a mostly western lens. Young adults will enjoy the author’s conversational approach and themes of interest to contemporary readers.
The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe
Matthew Gabriele & David M. Perry, Nov 2021, Harper Collins
Themes: European history, Middle Ages, Medieval
THE BRIGHT AGES casts a new light on well-known people and events of the European Middle Ages. The book begins with the story of a Roman woman artisan and concludes with a debate about the prospects of the New World.
Take-aways: Gabriele and Perry help readers understand why long-held beliefs about the backward nature of the dark ages need to be replaced by an understanding of the time period that includes a broader, more diverse, and more inclusive view.
Medicine in the Middle Ages: Surviving the Times
Juliana Cummings, Dec 2021, Pen and Sword History
Themes: Medical history, Middle Ages, Medieval
MEDICINE IN THE MIDDLE AGES describes the perils of medieval life and how these people approached healing. Rooted in the work of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, medieval medicine was linked to both the Catholic Church and the social status of patients. Explore the birth of hospitals and the horrors of war.
Take-aways: Educators will find this book useful in helping their students understand the challenges faced by both the rich and poor of the middle ages. From science and social studies to history, this book takes a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring the connection among religion, torture, plagues, medicine, and disease.
Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb
