The Middle Ages: A Watts Guide for Children

A guide to the Middle Ages, discussing events, people, and practices around the world from 500 to 1500.

Gr 4-7-Explanations and descriptions of major events, people, places, and cultures from A.D. 476-1500. The well-written, alphabetically arranged entries range from "Agriculture," "Alhambra," and "Thomas Aquinas" to "Warfare," "West African Kingdoms," and "Women." Most are about one page in length, with some exceptions, such as "Crusades" and "Islam," which are longer. The information is very basic, which does lead to some generalizations and possible confusion, and cross-references are, on occasion, wanting. For example, "Papacy" lacks a cross-reference to "Christianity" and the entry on the "Reconquest of Spain" might be more easily identifiable under Spain or Moors. Attempts to show a global perspective (rather than just Europe and the Middle East) are weak. There are no time lines, and the text does not explain the use of the alternative term "medieval." A colorful photograph, reproduction, or drawing accompanies almost every article. Some young historians will enjoy stumbling across new information, but the book doesn't reveal much on relatively popular topics such as Robin Hood or King Arthur. While it may serve as a supplemental source in some libraries, it will not replace Tony Gregory's The Dark Ages and Fiona MacDonald's The Middle Ages (both Facts On File, 1993).-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL

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