People who lived in towns in the Middle Ages were usually part of the merchant class and were more often than not wealthier than village dwellers. These craftsmen and business owners were independent men and women who did not work in service to anyone but themselves. Medieval Towns, Trade and Travel features daily life in a town, the artisans and businesspeople who populated it, and what kind of transportation was available in the days of horse and cart. Topics include: - the daily life of a family in town - trades for food including the butcher, the baker, and the brewer - trades for equipment such as the blacksmith and the woodworker - belonging to a guild - apprenticeship for a trade - travel in the Middle Ages - staying close to home because travel was time-consuming and uncomfortable - travel by horse - the fastest way - inns and taverns for weary travelers Teacher's guide available.

Describes different kinds of castles, their purposes, how they were built, and what it was like to live in a castle, looking particularly at the roles played by women and children.

Feasts were a common way of drawing families and communities together in the Middle Ages. They were also used as an opportunity to display a noble family's wealth. This delightful book takes readers inside a medieval kitchen highlighting utensils used in food preparation, the servants who worked there, and how food was prepared. Topics include: - farming and livestock - the harvest and how food was preserved - markets and fairs - herbs and spices to flavor salty foods - food in other cultures of the same period - towns and the merchant class - the butcher, baker, brewer and other tradespeople - the medieval kitchen - hunting, hawking and fishing - the extravagance of the noble's feast - feast days, celebrations, and the Church - food shortages and famine Teacher's guide available.

The Middle Ages in Europe was characterized by almost constant warfare as rival nobles fought with knights for castles and land. At the same time, Vikings, Magyars, Mongols, and Moors were invading parts of Europe. Medieval Warfare shows how people defended themselves and launched attacks. Full-color medieval drawings, museum pictures, illustrations and clear text help children understand: - the crusades - how castles were attacked and defended - warriors and their weapons - how battles were fought on the battlefield - famous battles fought in the middle ages, such as the Battle of Hastings Teacher's guide available.

Describes daily life in Europe during the Middle Ages, looking at the social hierarchy of the feudal system, through which kings and lords became rich while peasants remained poor.