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Book review (critique invited)
Sep. 19th, 2006 05:14 pmTrade, travel, and exploration in the Middle Ages : an encyclopedia.
Garland reference library of the humanities ; vol. 1899
(NY: Garland Publishing, 2000) ISBN: 0815320035
Travel in the middle ages and renaissance is one of the great topics of discussion and dispute in the SCA. From those who steadfastly insist that few people ever left home, to those who justify combining cultures by a merchant persona, SCAdians will find this reference work an edifying and entertaining experience. A wide variety of entries covering topics from the period between 525 and 1495 invite browsing as well as reference use. Good coverage of standard topics such as pilgrimage, merchants, and 'barbarian invaders' of several stripes focuses primarily on Europe but includes Asian, African and other topics. Maps, charts and navigational instruments are described, as are mythical people and destinations of interest to travellers in our time period. The illustrations are good, though the quality could be better, and the table of essays arranged by subject area in the front of the work is helpful. Definitely recommended for browsing if you can find it at a library near you.
Garland reference library of the humanities ; vol. 1899
(NY: Garland Publishing, 2000) ISBN: 0815320035
Travel in the middle ages and renaissance is one of the great topics of discussion and dispute in the SCA. From those who steadfastly insist that few people ever left home, to those who justify combining cultures by a merchant persona, SCAdians will find this reference work an edifying and entertaining experience. A wide variety of entries covering topics from the period between 525 and 1495 invite browsing as well as reference use. Good coverage of standard topics such as pilgrimage, merchants, and 'barbarian invaders' of several stripes focuses primarily on Europe but includes Asian, African and other topics. Maps, charts and navigational instruments are described, as are mythical people and destinations of interest to travellers in our time period. The illustrations are good, though the quality could be better, and the table of essays arranged by subject area in the front of the work is helpful. Definitely recommended for browsing if you can find it at a library near you.
