School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-8-These books concentrate on different aspects of life in Elizabethan England, using some common information about eating, sleeping, sanitation, and roles of men and women that would clarify many questions in that particular title. Good-quality, full-color reproductions help readers envision the people's homes, clothing, and lifestyles. The attractive, open format and the engaging presentation of the subject matter, combined with documented primary-source quotations and sidebars that include recipes, poetry, plays, and additional information, will appeal to both researchers and those who are just interested in learning more about this period.-Karen Scott, Thompson Middle School, Alabaster, AL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Generously illustrated with archival artwork (and a few photographs), this series provides a relatively comprehensive look at the lives of men, women, and children in the Middle Ages. While the text itself is somewhat dry, additions such as songs, games, recipes, and literature excerpts make these books an enlightening if not entirely compelling read. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Reviewed withathryn Hinds' The Court. Gr. 5-8. Similar in concept and format to Hinds' Life in the Middle Ages set, books in the four-volume Life in the Renaissance set feature well-written texts and excellent color illustrations in a format that is unusually attractive, particularly for a series title. Most impressive are the beautiful reproductions of period paintings and prints. Each book limits its discussion to western Europe from 1400 to 1600. City discusses everything from encircling walls and businesses to cultural life, and public health issues. The geographical coverage draws examples not only from London, Paris, and Florence but also other cities, including Antwerp, Nuremberg, andrakow. Court looks at royal and other courts as centers of government and power. Boxed articles extending the main discussion appear on single page or one or two double-page spreads. These presentations interrupt the flow of the text at times, but they offer a more in-depth look at subjects such as "The First Ghetto." Each volume ends with a glossary and lists of book and Internet sites. City appends a list of printed sources for quotations. Perhaps because it uses fewer quotes, Court does not. Two other books, The Church and The Countryside, complete the handsome, fact-filled, readable set. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2004 Booklist
