New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text! The Middle Ages ran from the end of the Dark Ages to the Renaissance in the 15th century. This collection of superb photographs brings vividly to life rural and town life during that era - including the life of a peasant "tied to the soil," the power of the Church, and the rise of trade guilds. Starting with a description of the feudal system that existed in much of Europe, the book features artifacts, costumes, furniture, and building to illustrate daily medieval life. Discover the hardships of life on the land, as well as the magnificent tournaments of the royal court. Learn how food was prepared and served at a great banquet. See the illuminated chronicles kept by scholarly monks, and how master craftworkers used their skills to decorate the great cathedrals. Packed with fascinating facts, Medieval Life is a unique and compelling introduction to the people and culture of the Middle Ages.