The Horrible, Miserable Middle Ages

April 1, 2010
Gr 4-8-Living up to the series title, these books expose the nasty side of history. Each title opens with a brief overview and time line, followed by two- to three-page chapters that discuss the dirty and disgusting conditions that were prevalent in the past. Topics include excretion and sanitation, spoiled food, grisly medical procedures, bug infestations, and early death. Large illustrations and photos, that are dramatic but not overly explicit, add to the texts. These books, which prove that the good old days never existed, are gross enough to be surefire hits.

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July 1, 2010
This volume focuses on everyday life in the Middle Ages, with special emphasis on the rougher, dirtier aspects of living in that era. The gross-out information is all over the place; nevertheless, the hook will likely capture readers' attention. Plenty of captioned illustrations and "Foul Facts" provide supplemental material that highlights these topics not traditionally discussed in history books. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)