M

ost writers think of research as a four letter word, but it doesn't have to be that way. Despite common misconceptions, there are hundreds of sources available for every topic imaginable on the medieval period. From the Conquest of England forward, the amount of written documentation of common, everyday occurrences is staggering. The only problem is, the beginning researcher of the Middle Ages isn't aware of where to start the search. By following a few small steps, you'll be amazed at how easy information is to gain.

For newcomers to the period, or those who wish to brush up, there are two cursory overviews that should be read: Morris Bishop's The Middle Ages and R.H.C. Davis' A History of Medieval Europe. Another must read for the medieval researcher is Norman Cantor's Inventing the Middle Ages. Cantor's work will give a list of the most respected medievalists of the twentieth century and explain much about how they created their works and how their lives influenced their interpretations of the period.

The most important thing a researcher must remember is to take nothing for granted and no matter what you think you may know, assume you know nothing.

Here's a quick quiz to demonstrate common misconceptions versus real facts. Did they have successful cosmetic surgery in the Middle Ages? Were there dentists? Did medieval man understand contagion? Did they have anesthesia? The answers to all of these are yes.

Another fact to keep in mind is that historians are usually very time and place specific with their works, and a beginning researcher should never generalize from one decade, or even region of the same country, to any other. Things changed rapidly despite the lack of modern communication systems. During the nineteen year reign of King Stephen in England, tourneys were twice outlawed and he thrice changed the laws governing hunting in the royal forests!

So how do you learn about the above, and the hundreds of other things you need to understand in order to write your book? Simple. There are a gamut of sources available starting with the computer on-line information systems in libraries which readily access subjects and draw up bibliographies and articles.

For those who prefer books, or don't have access to computerized libraries, the following bibliography texts should lead you to most of the sources you need. If the local library doesn't have the above, most universities or colleges will. Historian's Handbook by Wood Gray lists major reference sources including almanacs and library catalogues. Women in Western European History by Linda Frey lists information chronologically and geographically. Guide to the Sources of Medieval History by R.C. Van Caenegem is a two volume set that is somewhat dated, but still very useful. Avoid wide ranging encyclopedias. Remember to stay only with those that are geared for the Middle Ages such as H.R. Loyn's The Middle Ages: A Concise Encyclopedia and E. Hallam's The Plantagenet Encyclopedia.

 

Another good method is to call a local university or college and ask to speak to professors who teach medieval classes. They usually have a syllabus which lists the relatively inexpensive texts they use in their classes, and most professors are more than willing to mail you a copy. They can also answer specific questions you might have and list more sources to consult.

To determine on your own if a source is reliable, make sure you check the notes and bibliography section in the back. The average medieval text book which is written by a conscientious author will have several pages of notes and/or bibliography. If the bibliography is short and the author doesn't have an author's biography stating his/her credentials, be wary of the information inside. Another good indication is to check the acknowledgements. If the book thanks a medieval historian who has helped with the research, the book is trustworthy.

Researching the Middle Ages can be rewarding as well as enlightening. Fair warning though, exploring this period in history can become addictive!researcPicture Nice place to do research, don't you think?!

 

 

Sherrilyn was the medieval consultant for The Medieval Chronicle where this article was originally published in the July/August 1993 issue of The Medieval Chronicle (she announced the first release of Born of Night in this issue). She holds a B.A. in History and a Certificate of Medieval Studies from the University of Georgia. She is the author of The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the Middle Ages. Her book, Born of Night, a re-issue, is a futuristic tale that is part of her League stories. Visit Sherrilyn at her website www.sherrilynkenyon.com

 

 

Note from the publisher: For your convenience, reference book titles have been linked directly to Amazon.com.

 

 

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