Sources in medieval culture and history
The wide range of primary sources featured in this book trace the development of medieval civilization from the era of the Roman Emperor Diocletian to the late fourteenth century. The events of these years are viewed from various perspectives, including selections from legal documents, annals, letters, contemporaneous biographies, paintings, theological and philosophical treatises, historical writings, architecture, and literary extracts.
An exceedingly comprehensive list of links to a wide variety of primary documents of this period. Some highlights: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in Modern English, a section-by-section color rendering of the Bayeux Tapestry, accounts of the Battle of Agincourt, and the Magna Carta
A very comprehensive listing of links to original documents (most in French or Latin, though some translations) of this time period. Some highlights: Froissart's accounts of the Hundred Years War, The Book of Hours of Jeanne de France, A contemporary chronicle of Joan of Arc's life.
A Guide to the Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered 230 foot-long panel created in England around 1070, depicts King Harold's defeat by the forces of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.
Epistolae: Medieval Women's Letters
A collection of letters to and from women in the Middle Ages, from the 4th to the 13th century. The letters, written in Latin, are linked to the names of the women involved, with English translations and, where available, biographical sketches of the women and some description of the subject matter or the historic context of the letter.
For primary sources, search using these keywords in the Library catalogue:
Some highlights of note:
Gesta Henrici Quinti = The deeds of Henry the Fifth
From two 15th century manuscripts in the British Museum. (Edited with a facing-page English translation from the Latin text)
Why study history through primary sources?
