"Some particular books I found useful for A Game of Thrones and its
sequels deserve mention... Life in a Medieval Castle and Life in a
Medieval City, both by Joseph and Frances Gies." --George R.R.
Martin, author of the series A Song of Ice and Fire
Medieval history comes alive in Frances and Joseph Gies's Life in a
Medieval City, used as a research resource by George R. R. Martin in
creating the world of Game of Thrones.
Reissued for the first time in decades, Life in a Medieval City is the
classic account of the year 1250 in the city of Troyes, in modern-day
France. Acclaimed historians Frances and Joseph Gies focus on a high
point of medieval civilization--before war and the Black Death ravaged
Europe--providing a fascinating window into the sophistication of a
period we too often dismiss as backward.
Urban life in the Middle Ages revolved around the home, often a
mixed-use dwelling for burghers with a store or workshop on the ground
floor and living quarters upstairs. A developed economy, focusing on
textiles, farming, and financial services, could be found in the town
center, where craftsmen competed for business while adhering to the
guilds' codes of conduct. There were schools for the children, though
only boys could attend and the lessons were taught in Latin by a priest.
The church was a hub of both religious and civic life; services were
lively and filled with song, and baptisms and other special occasions
brought neighbors together to celebrate. The weddings of wealthier
townsfolk were lavish affairs full of song and dance and drinking that
could sometimes last for weeks.
"An excellently written account of what is known of the life of medieval
burghers."--Library Journal
