Synopses & Reviews
Famous for lampooning the medieval world in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Terry Jones has a real passion for and detailed knowledge of the Middle Ages. In Terry Jones' Medieval Lives, his mission is to rescue the Middle Ages from moth-eaten cliches and well-worn platitudes. Behind the stereotypes of "damsels in distress" and "knights in shining armor," there are wonderfully human stories that bring the period to life. Terry will start with the medieval archetypesthe Knight, Peasant, Damsel, Monk, Outlaw, King, Merchant, and Physicianand in the course of unravelling their role and function will introduce a host of colorful real-life characters, recreating their world by visiting key locations.
Synopsis
Terry Jones, actor, director, author and Python, approaches this most misrepresented and misunderstood' period in history through its principal characters. Accompanying a TV series, the book addresses and redresses many of the stereotypical images we have of the Middle Ages. Each chapter deals with a major character', opening with the medieval peasant, discussing his life and work, his status, village life in general, his relationship with the Church and the Peasants' Revolt. After famine and Black Death, Jones turns his attention to secular and royal minstrels and entertainers, as well as medieval romance and epic tales. From here to the outlaws, gangs and legendary figures of the period, to the monk, the development of monasteries and religious orders, the crusades and Church power. The rest of the books is filled with tales of philosophers, alchemists, magicians, fraudsters, innovators and doctors, chivalric knights, damsels and, ultimately, the king himself. Written in an accessible and colloquial style, this is a great read for anyone wanting to get a glimpse of real Medieval Lives . Full of colour photographs and illustrations, and Terry Jones dressed up in various garbs
Synopsis
Renowned for lampooning the schoolboy view of the medieval world in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," Terry Jones is also regarded as a true connoisseur of the Middle Ages. In this richly illustrated volume, his mission is to slay the dragons of cliche and platitude. A superemely entertaining volume presenting medieval Britain as you have never imagined it before--a vibrant society teeming with individuality, intrigue, and innovation.