Well I didn't get around to typing it up in time but I read one last book for 2008. That makes 31 for the year. Not to bad. I updated the 2008 book list. I'll try and keep the one for 2009 current. I expect a slow start in 2009 as much of my free time in January is being spent studying for my yearly tests at work. If I want to keep my job it's best I read work manuals instead of books of my choosing. Oh well, the sacrifices of life.
Daily Living in the Twelfth Century by Urban Tigner Holmes Jr.
This book appealed to me because of it's narrow focus, roughly the second half of the 1100's, following (mostly) one guy, Alexander Neckam, and his journey from North of London to Paris. Urban Tiger Holmes Jr. must have found a copy of Neckam's diary of the trip and has expanded on it to give us a glimpse into the sights of the journey in detail. What could be more interesting?
Well this book for starters. I guess it's just that this book didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. The writing was dry, and even my high interest in the subject matter didn't help me to stay interested. I really can't tell you much about to book because I don't remember much. The only real interesting bit that I came away with was that the maps the travelers used during this time were more like travel itineraries that listed the cities one would pass though each day and where to stop to sleep and eat. In a way these maps were probably more useful and to the point for the travelers than one that just showed the roads and cities.
It you're looking for an indepth look at the second half of the 12th century then this is the book for you. If you're looking for examples of daily life this book may provide the minutia that you are looking for. Hopefully you can stay awake long enough to find the answers you are looking for.
Happy Mother's Day!
14 years ago
