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katknit
, May 30, 2009
(view all comments by katknit)
Originally published in 1920 and long out of print, this short but comprehensive overview of the various facets of 15th century life is deservedly available once more. Edwin Benson divided his work into five chapters: important historical factors, appearance of the town, civic and national life, business life, religious life, and education and entertainment. Each chapter is subdivided further into topics that include a description of streets and diverse buildings, York's status as a royal city, the function of guilds and the rise of the merchant middle class, food and clothing, pageants and holidays, and the treatment of lepers. The organization of the book makes it an interesting and accessible reference. Recommended for general readers interested in the late middle ages, or as an introduction to the study of medieval York.
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