Life in a Medieval Village

By: Frances Gies, Joseph Gies

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Life in a Medieval Village, by respected historians Joseph and Frances Gies, paints a lively, convincing portrait of rural people at work and at play in the Middle Ages. Focusing on the village of Elton, in the English East Midlands, the Gieses detail the agricultural advances that made communal living possible, explain what domestic life was like for serf and lord alike, and describe the central role of the church in maintaining social harmony. Though the main focus is on Elton, c. 1300, the Gieses supply enlightening historical context on the origin, development, and decline of the European village, itself an invention of the Middle Ages.

Meticulously researched, Life in a Medieval Village is a remarkable account that illustrates the captivating world of the Middle Ages and demonstrates what it was like to live during a fascinating - and often misunderstood - era.

©1990 Frances and Joseph Gies (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Using the English village of Elton, the Gies vividly detail the everyday lives of people during the Middle Ages." ( School Library Journal)

it gets very dry but still interesting

if you're interested in medieval life, then it will keep your attention no problem. however it does go on quite long with just reading old records.

Very thorough and informative.

A great reference for medieval English life. I found myself having to go back to catch something missed due to the density of information.

Reads like a good text book

Overall has some interesting things. This is not a lecture series like the great courses series. It reminds me of a good text book.

A step back in time

Using a English village as the template, this book shows you what life was like in a medieval village. It busts a lot of misconceptions I had and helps to really make these people feel like real people.

a reliable academic text

I wish the chapters were titled by audible but ice complaints go that's really kind of petty LOL