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REVIEW BY KK
The title of this book explains it all. Reading it is like stepping into a dimly lit, 19th-century hall of curiosities, with various unusual artefacts covering every available surface. By giving a tour through this bizarre exhibition, the author aims to bring to light little-known medieval materials and dispel any stereotypes that remain about the period being one defined by darkness and ignorance. To do so, he focuses on 50 unique objects from across Europe, highlighting their complexity and ingenuity, and thereby showing the creativity and sophistication of medieval society.
From religious paraphernalia to weapons of war to items of the everyday, the book touches on all aspects of medieval life. Short and easily digestible, it provides illustrations of each artefact (although photographs may have helped the reader to visualise some of the items better). It is a nice, idiosyncratic read for anyone looking to brush up on their obscure medieval trivia.
A Medieval Cabinet of Curiosities
Lorris Chevalier
Amberley, £16.99
ISBN 978-1398125551
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