Booklist Review

Reviewed with Alex Woolf's Death and Disease0 . Gr. 5-8. These attractive, informative volumes from the Medieval Realms series use an oversize format to present different aspects of medieval European society. Arranged topically, each book discusses 21 points (one per double-page spread) within its broader subject. Well reproduced and mostly colorful, the illustrations include a great many reproductions of period paintings and prints, along with maps and a few photos. Disease0 discusses topics such as medieval theories about the body and disease, the influence of the Church on health practices, the causes and effects of bubonic plague, and the emergence of modern medicine as the medieval era drew to an end. Monarchs0 considers the structure of royal governments, courts, and succession, as well as wars, crusades, and the birth of nations. British in origin, the books are broadly European in coverage, but they offer more examples and quotations from England than from other countries. The final spread in each book includes a chronology, a brief bibliography of recommended reading, and a glossary. Though this section in Disease0 also provides a brief list of "Works Consulted," Monarchs0 does not append any sources. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2004 Booklist