Middle Ages

The Door in the Wall

Book cover: 'The Door in the Wall'
Author(s): 
Marguerite de Angeli
Number of pages: 
121 pages
Copyright: 
1949
Publisher: 
Dell Yearling Edition
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
14th century
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Review: 
The Door in the Wall is set in England in the 1300's. It tells the story of a young boy who survived the plague. The main character is Robin de Beureford, the son of a nobleman. Robin is suddenly stricken with an illness that cripples him. After the servants leave, fearing the plague, Robin is taken to the monastery of St. Mark's by a kindly monk who heard of his plight.

Robin is taught how to read and write, woodcarving, and how to swim at the monastery, but is very disappointed that he cannot become a knight. Who would want a knight who is unable to ride a horse and can only walk with the help of crutches? Robin is finally taken to Sir Peter's castle at Lindsay, where he was to have served as a page and then a knight. He is taken into Sir Peter's service. The castle is soon besieged by the Welsh, and the food and water is slowly diminishing. Robin has an idea of how to save the castle, but can he get out of the castle and obtain the assistance of Sir Fitzhugh in time? Will Sir Fitzhugh help him?

The Door in the Wall gives you a good idea of what life in the Middle Ages was like for a young boy. It has beautiful black and white drawings that show you some of the Medieval styles of clothing. I think that this book would be good for children in grades 4 to 7. My only complaint was that I found the plot slow-moving. I would recommend this as an addition to your study of the Middle Ages.

First reviewed: 
2-22-2000

The Hidden Treasure of Glaston

Book cover: 'The Hidden Treasure of Glaston'
Author(s): 
Eleanore M. Jewett
Number of pages: 
340 pages
Copyright: 
1946
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
12th century
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Review: 
This book takes place in the year immediately following the murder of Saint Thomas Becket (who died in 1170 AD). Hugh, the young crippled son of one of the knights who commited the dreadful dead, is left in the care of the Monastery of Glaston, allowing his father to flee the country in the wake of riots and uprisings against the nobles who were involved in Becket's death. Although Hugh is haunted for a time with painful memories of the riots, he has inherited a love for books from his mother and settles down rather happily into a position of assistant to the scriptorium monk where he learns to make the beautiful inks and dyes used for illuminated manuscripts.

Life gets more interesting when Hugh teams up with Dickon, a young oblate at the monastery, to investigate secret underground treasure caves. A mystery unfolds envolving the monastery, King Arthur, Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Grail.

How neat to read a Catholic adventure story for children! While reading an engrossing, fast paced story, they are also given a positive impression of piety and monastic life and the importance of amending one's life (the side-plot regarding his father which ends happily).

I also like the fact that the book includes "a word to those who like to ask of a story, especially one with an historical background, 'Is it true?'" The story, as much as possible, is rooted in historical truths. Although I have not read it yet, The Flowering Hawthorn (published by Neumann Press) appears to cover some of the historical background that this story is based on and might make an interesting follow-up book.

The Hidden Treasure of Glaston is a Newbery Honor book from 1946. There are some similarities to The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli, but I think this book is more interesting and fast-paced.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
8-10-2000

The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica

Book cover: 'The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica'
Author(s): 
Kathleen Norris
Illustrator(s): 
Tomie de Paola
Number of pages: 
40 pages
Copyright: 
2001
Publisher: 
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Saints
Setting: 
Early Middle Ages
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Grades K-2
Review: 
This oversized story book, illustrated with the familiar style of Tomie de Paola, relates the stories of Saints Benedict and Scholastica - twin brother and sister who lived in Italy in the 5th Century. The story is very simple, with gentle humor, and suitable for young children. The illustrations are especially interesting because they resemble pre-Renaissance Christian art with little bits of the story taking place in the background of the main picture.

Monastic life and St. Benedict's rule are presented in a gentle and very positive manner. The end of the story has a detailed explanation of the history of the rule of St. Benedict. Here is a nice little sampling: "Many people who are not monks or nuns have found that Benedict's Rule offers good, practical advice and spiritual counsel for getting along with others in a family, on the job, or in a church community." This page is followed by one illustrating some examples from his Rule.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
7-21-05

The King's Shadow

Book cover: 'The King's Shadow'
Author(s): 
Elizabeth Alder
Number of pages: 
272 pages
Copyright: 
1995
Publisher: 
Bantam Doubleday Dell
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
11th century
Review: 
The King's Shadow is a story of a welsh serf, Evyn, who dreams of becoming a storyteller. In retaliation for his uncle's crime, however, Evyn has his tongue cut out, thus shattering his dreams to become a storyteller. Evyn is then sold to the king's wife, and eventually becomes the king's squire and then his foster son.

The book is set in the 11th century, shortly before the Battle of Hastings. It gives accurate details of King Harold's life, and the life of English nobility of the time. It would be a wonderful complement to a history unit on the Middle Ages.

The King's Shadow is an excellent work of historical fiction, recommended for ages 10 and up. It has great "boy appeal" because of the battle scenes, adventures, intrigue, and the profusion of male characters. Not recommended for a read aloud.

Reviewed by: 
M.H.
First reviewed: 
7-25-2000

The Lances of Lynwood

Author(s): 
Charlotte M. Yonge
Number of pages: 
264 pages
Publisher: 
Lepanto Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
14th century
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Review: 
"Virtue Conquers" is the theme of this charming, wholesome adventure story set in the Middle Ages, during the reign of Edward III of England. Eustace, the scholarly but valiant brother-in-law of Sir Reginald Lynwood, goes as his squire to Spain under the banner of the English sovereign. In his first battle, he loses his brother-in-law but gains a knight's spurs for his courage. His future looks very bright, but soon his prospects sour through no fault of his own, as he runs afoul of an unscrupulous kinsman who is trying to abduct his nephew Arthur, the heir to the earldom, in order to control his inheritance. Suspicion, rumors of wizardry, and attempts on his life now replace the earlier praise and honor, and how he confronts injustice and preserves his nephew's safety makes an interesting read full of chivalry and adventure.

This book might be enjoyed by children who are fans of the historical books of G.A. Henty - it has the same historical detail and the same kind of noble, virtuous protagonist -- but has the added benefit of being thoroughly Catholic. The reading level is probably best suited for ten to fourteen year olds, but there is nothing in its content which would make it unsuitable for even much younger children.

The Lances of Lynwood is part of the Knights and Ladies line recently reprinted by Lepanto Press, and is handsomely bound in a hard cover.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Lepanto Press.

Reviewed by: 
Willa Ryan
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Last Crusader: Isabella of Spain

Book cover: 'The Last Crusader: Isabella of Spain'
Author(s): 
William Thomas Walsh
Number of pages: 
515 pages
Copyright: 
1930
Publisher: 
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Setting: 
15th century
Grade / Age level: 
Adults
Mature Teens
Review: 

Queen Isabella (the Catholic) of Spain is one of the most influential and controversial women in history. She and her husband were responsible for supporting Columbus' voyages to the New World, the re-conquering of all of Spain from the Moors, the expulsion of the Jews, and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. Her daughter, Catherine of Aragon, was the unfortunate first wife of King Henry VIII of England (who founded the Anglican church because he didn't accept the Pope's refusal to grant him an annulment of his marriage to Catherine). The story is fast-paced and gripping (as well as complex), but also very sad and even disturbing at times. It's an important period of history for Catholic to understand as many aspects of this story are frequently used to attack the Church. Reading the whole story will also dispel some common myths about history in general - particularly ones that try to make blanket statements about history and assumptions that as history progresses things always get worse. Recommended for upper high school or adult.

This book mentions at least one disturbing story of violence against a child that appears to follow the pattern of anti-Jewish myths debunked by the Church as early as Gregory X's document of 1272 on "Papal Protection of the Jews". The document can be found here: http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/G10JPROT.HTM In addition to reading this document (which particularly highlights problems with Christian violence against the Jews), further discussion and research are recommended on this topic.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-25-2000

The Little Duke

Author(s): 
Charlote Yonge
Number of pages: 
240 pages
Copyright: 
1923
Publisher: 
Lepanto Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
Early Middle Ages
Review: 
This is a charming and very Catholic story of young Richard of 10th century Normandy. His father, the Duke of Normandy and a devout Christian, is cruelly murdered by a rival nobleman forcing Richard, at the tender age of eight, to become the new Duke in a time of political upheaval. Initially he finds his duties terribly boring and desires nothing more than to spend time with some jolly playmates.

As the story unfolds, Richard slowly matures in the face of the dangers and uncertainties of his position. This is particularly evident during his semi-captivity under the King of France where he learns more fully the truth of the Christian virtues that his father and the good abbot had tried to teach him. He becomes a good judge of character as he learns to recognize flatterers from true friends. Catholic virtues are especially evident in the good people of Normandy who pray and do penance for the sake of their Little Duke.

The story is a little slow in the beginning, but picks up quite nicely after a few chapters. This edition is beautifully bound in red with gold lettering and contains lovely black and white illustrations and very readable larger text.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
10-17-01

The Lost Baron

Book cover: 'The Lost Baron'
Author(s): 
Allen French
Number of pages: 
297 pages
Copyright: 
1940
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
13th century
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
Review: 
This is quite simply a great story. Even at almost 300 pages, it's surprisingly quick, enjoyable and a worthwhile read.

It is the year 1200, and England is ruled by the wicked and greedy King John (of Robin Hood fame). When the baron Eric disppears from his castle under mysterious circumstances and is presumed dead, his wife and daughter must learn to live with the baron's legal heir and distant relative - the new baron, Basil - who is gloomy and unpleasant.

Secret passages, surprising chase scenes, loyal peasants and the sting of a guilty conscience make for an engrossing tale that presents an accurate picture of feudal life and the duties of the nobility with beautiful undertones involving character, forgiveness and the triumph of good over evil. Suitable reading for fifth grade and up or as a family read-aloud.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-18-01

The Merchant's Mark

Author(s): 
Cynthia Harnett
Number of pages: 
181 pages
Copyright: 
1953
Publisher: 
Lerner
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
15th century
England
Review: 

The Merchant's Mark is a mystery set, in England in 1493, against a rich historical background of a family involved in the wool industry. The author weaves much detail about the wool and cloth trades into the story. Many traditions, celebrations and religious practices are also included, giving the reader a very nice picture of life at that time - particularly their strong Catholic culture. This might be a good book to read alongside a study of Christopher Columbus. Not only does the story take place at the time of his voyage, but the information about the cloth trade is interesting because Columbus came from a cloth-making family.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Pages