“Life in a Medieval City”
by Joseph and Frances Gies
Harper and Row
I picked up this book when I saw the title because I thought that it would help me roleplay in a medieval setting. I wanted details of daily life without having to work my way through a dry history lesson. And you know what? I picked the right book!!
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? Actually, I was almost sorry I did start at the beginning of this book. The prologue gives some background history about the city of Troyes, and Europe as a whole leading up to 1250, the year during which the bulk of the book takes place. Some information is also included on the hows and whys of medieval urbanization. Although I recognize the need for some kind of historical context, I must admit I found this first chapter slow going. It was exactly what I said I didn’t want-- a boring history lesson.
The rest of the book is written in a totally different style that you will like much better. Every sentence is absolutely full of colorful, interesting details on every aspect of city life in Medieval Western Europe. I found it extremely easy to read. So whatever you do, don’t stop reading if you get bored with the first chapter.
Here’s an example of the kind of detail you will find in this book. From the chapter entitled “A Medieval Housewife” we have this passage: “All cooking is done over the open fire; there are no ovens in private houses. Food must be prepared and mixed by hand. Utensils are of iron, copper, pewter, earthenware--no steel or glass. There are no paper or paper products, no chocolate, coffee, tea, potatoes, rice, spaghetti, noodles, tomatoes, squash, corn, baking powder, baking soda, or gelatin. Citrus fruit is a rare delicacy.” See what I mean? Details, details, details.
Okay, so I can here you saying, “Food? Who cares about food? What about weapons, damn it?” They’re included, along with warfare, medieval businesses large and small, the arts, guilds, religion, town government, the Champagne Fairs, and a plethora of other good stuff.
I’m no DM, but I think the kind of facts that can be found in this book would bring color and unobtrusive realism to any campaign. Hell, you might even learn something (horror of horrors.)
I found this book, and its companion “Life in a Medieval Village,” at Half Price Books, but I know for a fact that it is still available at retail bookstores such as Barnes and Noble. Pretty good for a book that was first published in 1969, eh?
- Erica Woollums