\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/product_reviews/pr_id/114433-Terry-Jones-Medieval-Lives
ASIN: B0031RDVS2
ID #114433
Terry Jones' Medieval Lives   (Rated: 13+)
Product Type: Kindle Store
Reviewer: JayNaNoOhNo Author Icon
Review Rated: ASR
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Product Rating:
  Overall Quality:
Further Comments...
What the heck was this book trying to be?

It did provide some insights into some of the misconceptions about the time period, but I fear it perpetuated many more by relying on anecdotes and conclusions that rested on shaking foundations. First there was the parentage of Elizabeth. Then there was the well-fed peasant - based on a single excavation site. Then there was the "we use leeches now after certain very specific surgeries, therefore medieval doctors were on to something!" conclusion. There was the monk who tried to fly, broke his legs, and "set flight back 900 years". I guess my biggest gripe here is anecdotes are not evidence and big bibliographies are not extensive research in and of themselves. Any conclusion drawn from the two leaves me skeptical at best.

There was little in the way of 'a view into the life of' and a whole lot of politics (which to be fair, does greatly shape the overall life of a general citizen). I felt that the first half of the book tried to give us that view, but by the second half devolved into political rants masked as history.

I found the writing style to be dry, and while it had some wit, it had nothing in the way of humour. Of course, the sketchy evidence probably had something to do with my mood.
Created Dec 01, 2019 at 5:49pm • Submit your own review...

You Could Send Gift Points, But You Don't Have Any Gift Points To Send!
Remember, Gift Points say more than words & encourage Authors to "Write On!". If you need more information on Writing.Com Gift Points and their function, please read: Gift Points Information

Important: All emails are logged! Harassment of other members, by any means within Writing.Com is strictly prohibited, will not be tolerated and may result in account termination.

Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/product_reviews/pr_id/114433-Terry-Jones-Medieval-Lives