Review by Booklist Review
This informative book follows the life of a peasant on a western European manor from birth, through childhood, marriage, family life, and service to the manor, and ultimately up to death and burial. The book's heavy, glossy pages glow with colorful scenes of peasants in action. Modern ink-and-watercolor illustrations appear alongside well-chosen, vividly reproduced medieval paintings and the occasional photo of a period artifact or site. Each double-page spread introduces a new subject, such as land management, the manorial court, women's work, and the possibility of a peasant gaining freedom. While the layout includes many elements on each spread (introductory paragraphs in bold, multiple columns of text, sidebars on different backgrounds, and several illustrations), the text and pictures work well together to reinforce the information presented. Other titles in the Medieval Lives series focus on different roles within feudal society: Merchant, Knight, Stonemason, Nun, and Lady of the Manor.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
