Ian Mortimer shows us that the past is not just something to be studied; it is also something to be lived. He sets out to explain what life was like in the most immediate way, through taking you to the Middle Ages.
The result is the most astonishing social history book you are ever likely to read: evolutionary in its concept, informative and entertaining in its detail, and startling for its portrayal of humanity in an age of violence, exuberance and fear.
©2008 Ian Mortimer; (P)2009 Isis Publishing Ltd
"A jaunty journey through the 14th century, one that wriggles with the stuff of everyday life." (Guardian)
"Very, very interesting - highly recommended"
Decided to purchase this after several very enjoyable listens to Barbara W Tuchmann's - A Distant Mirror. While this is written / read in the same style - it was more... juicy. Almost like a 'Rough Guide' to the Middle Ages. Had two listens already - one after the other!
"A fascinating listen"
As someone who has an interest (albeit fairly 'amateur') in medieval history, I found listening to this audiobook both fascinating and informative. It is very well written and read out and a must for all those interested in social history.
"Totally unputdownable - recommend 100%"
I really didn't know much about this period in history (I had very poor history teachers at school) and being a sci-fi fan the title appealed to me. There wasn't much more behind my decision to purchase this book than that.
What I got was a really well structured book taking me through everyday life and society of the 14th century - town planning, fashion, travel, food and drink, humour, battle and war, chivalry, family life, medicine and health, well every part of life. Also I found it interesting how things changed over 100 years.
I almost felt prepared for my time travel journey to 14th century England but think I'd like to listen to it again before going to make sure I'm aware of all the customs and have noted the hints and tips to make sure I'm not swindled.
I had trouble pausing this audio book as I didn't want to stop listening! This is a complete surprise as I wouldn't have considered myself a history fan before listening to this.
It is definitely the one I recommend most highly of all the books I've listened to so far.
"Very enjoyable."
Brings to life the era in an entertaining and refreshing way.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys History - this one is a little out of the ordinary and well worth a listen.
"Interest in medieval history I didnt know I had!"
Desperately looking for a 'factual' book to download for a holiday to compliment the usual beach novels I picked on this. Not a period of history I had a particular interest in.But when I started listening I became instantly hooked.
It transports you right bang into the middle of 14th Century England and all those things that get overlooked in more traditional history books are covered here.
The fascinating facts of every day living, from what to do if your ill to how to tell the time before clocks it's all here. I loved it,if only all history could be this easy!
If you have even a passing interest in history you will find this book an interesting and absorbing listen.
"Superb in every way !"
As I am interested in this era of British history, I decided to purchase it. The book is superbly written by Ian Mortimer, close your Eyes and listen, it's almost like being there living it. The book is excellently narrated, I wish other books from different times in our history were written in the same way as Ian Mortimer has done this book.
"Excellent and informative"
So many history books only focus on the major events in their given time. This book takes you down to the nitty gritty of every day life in Medieval England. It is well written and beautifully narrated. I would thoroughly recommend it.
"Interesting, immersive and utterly engaging"
I cannot praise this book highly enough. It brought a period of history alive for me, and I had not even realised I was all that interested to begin with. I have bought the book to give as gifts for people who weren't sufficiently moved by my enthusiastic raving to go out and buy it for themselves - but I wish I could afford to buy them the audiobook.
"Good'ish in a difficult subject"
I've always been into Medieval history. This book is good on detail, does chop through things at quite a steady pace and mentions the same things a few times (suppose it's going to happen)... I listen to it while cycling... A few boring bits... But keep with it... Overall worth listening too...
"Quite Interesting"
I found this quite an interesting book. I do wonder if I might have taken it in a bit more reading it rather than listening to it but it was still good and you'll find yourself coming out with various nuggets out of it either with friends or colleagues. Narration was fine.