What We're Reading: Cathy

The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: a Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer

This is a basic introduction to 14th century England. It describes a very different world from ours. London is still the largest city but at a population of 40,ooo is nearly 4 times as large as the next largest city and most people live in tiny towns and villages out in the countryside. An interesting point was that the more violent society of that time could be somewhat explained by the fact that 1/2 of the population was 21 years old or less - not enough wise old men. He describes the type of food people ate and what they drank. Medical care by "doctors" - a combination of religion, magic, astrology, and plain old bad information - was best stayed away from. His description of leprosy is especially graphic. There is no local bobby patrolling the streets. All men were members of a tithing which made each one responsible for the doings of the others. Women of course weren't included in tithings and were treated differently than men if convicted of a crime. What you wear depends on your rank as well as your income. You would definitely think twice before traveling here if it was possible. It is a society however where "Everyone dances. Everyone sings." It would be a great adventure.