It's a Feudal, Feudal World - by Simon Shapiro (Paperback)

About the Book

Explores medieval history by combining infographics, cartoons, and text to highlight aspects of the diversity and intercultural dynamics of the medieval world, from Europe to the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Islamic empires.

Book Synopsis

Enter a medieval world unlike any you've seen before. Welcome to an innovative and reader-friendly approach to medieval history, one that combines visually appealing infographics, whimsical cartoons and lively, informative text. Each spread offers a snapshot that highlights an aspect of the diversity and intercultural dynamics of the medieval world, from Europe to the Byzantine, Ottoman and Islamic empires. Readers get the inside scoop on crusaders and caliphs, Mongols and midwives, as they read about expanding trade routes, power shifts, conquests, adventure, and persecutions. From the daily life of the medieval child to Rabban bar Sauma's extraordinary pilgrimage, the result is a colorful and varied picture of what life was like a thousand years ago. For example, did you know: - 5% of babies in English peasants' homes died from pig bites? - what medieval workers did for a living? - you could buy a Turkish horse for 455 cartloads of dung? - the best way to stop the unstoppable knight? Shapiro's meticulous research is brought to life by Ross Kinnaird's historically based, humorous, illustrations. Who would imagine medieval history could be this much fun!

Review Quotes

This very appealing graphic text is truly a different history of the Middle Ages! Each page contains a wealth of clearly presented information.--Carolyn Cutt"Resource Links" (12/01/2013)

Filled with numerous fun little facts that will surprise even adult readers, this is a great introduction to history for children.--Emily Mitchell"thebookgeek.com" (10/04/2013)

Shapiro has written a creative and useful book that will be an added treasure to any school library or classroom. Highly recommended.--Ian Stewart"CM Magazine" (10/11/2010)

The illustrations will keep kids chuckling; the print sections are kept brief but provide students with a good starting point for projects.--Sandra O'Brien"Canadian Children's Book News" (10/01/2010)

I absolutely LOVED this book and will be using it in my classroom this year.--Amy Alvis"amyalvis.blogspot.ca" (08/01/2013)

A different history in both its infographic presentation and the scope of material covered... Kinnaird's engaging cartoon style fits well with Shapiro's frequently witty presentation of what might otherwise be dry historical facts... A good introduction to the Middle Ages and a solid preliminary research tool... The infographic style is particularly accessible to those who struggle with reading.--Cori Dusmann"Quill and Quire" (06/01/2013)

About the Author

Stephen Shapiro holds a PhD and is the author of The Siege, Ultra Hush-Hush!, Hoodwinked, and Battle Stations. He lives in Toronto.

Ross Kinnaird is an illustrator who has worked in London, Sydney, and Hong Kong. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.