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The Weird Middle Ages: A Collection of Mysterious Stories, Odd Customs, and Strange Superstitions from Medieval Times
*Includes pictures
*Includes excerpts of medieval accounts
*Includes a bibliography for further reading
In the time period between the fall of Rome and the spread of the Renaissance across the European continent, many of today’s European nations were formed, the Catholic Church rose to great prominence, some of history’s most famous wars occurred, and a social class system was instituted that lasted over 1,000 years. A lot of activity took place during a period frequently labeled derogatively as the “Dark Ages,” and while that period of time is mostly referred to as the “Middle Ages” instead of the Dark Ages today, it has still retained the stigma of being a sort of lost period of time in which Western civilization made no worthwhile progress after the advances of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome.
In reality, this oversimplification of the Middle Ages overlooks the progress made in the studies of sciences and philosophy, especially during the High Middle Ages. It also ignores the fact that one of the most important inventions of the last millennium was created in Germany during the Late Middle Ages, the printing press, which allowed the Renaissance to move across the continent and help position Western Europe as the wealthiest region in the world.
If anything, the one aspect of the Middle Ages that has been romanticized is medieval warfare. Indeed, the Middle Ages have long sparked people’s imaginations thanks to imagery of armored knights battling on horseback and armies of men trying to breach the walls of formidable castles. What is generally forgotten is that medieval warfare was constantly adapting to the times as leaders adopted new techniques and technology, and common infantry became increasingly important throughout the period. Starting around 1000 CE, there was a gradual consolidation of power in the region after the fragmentation of the Early Middle Ages, and it brought about the rise of more centralized states that could field large armies. The Normans, one of the first groups to do this, were notable for their discipline and organization, and it’s little surprise that they were the last foreigners to successfully invade Britain under William the Conqueror in the mid-11th century.
The Middle Ages have always gripped people’s imaginations, and knights, fair ladies, castles, jousting, and feasts make for a pleasant picture, but the reality was quite different. People were dirty, disease was rife, war was cruel, and life was short. People died in bizarre ways, frequently insisted they saw visions in the sky, and invented marvelous devices seemingly way before their time. British writer L. P. Hartley famously wrote, “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” Europe in the Middle Ages was more like a different planet.
The Weird Middle A Collection of Mysterious Stories, Odd Customs, and Strange Superstitions from Medieval Times includes all kinds of tales about people and events during the era. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about some of the Middle Ages’ strangest stories like never before.
*Includes excerpts of medieval accounts
*Includes a bibliography for further reading
In the time period between the fall of Rome and the spread of the Renaissance across the European continent, many of today’s European nations were formed, the Catholic Church rose to great prominence, some of history’s most famous wars occurred, and a social class system was instituted that lasted over 1,000 years. A lot of activity took place during a period frequently labeled derogatively as the “Dark Ages,” and while that period of time is mostly referred to as the “Middle Ages” instead of the Dark Ages today, it has still retained the stigma of being a sort of lost period of time in which Western civilization made no worthwhile progress after the advances of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome.
In reality, this oversimplification of the Middle Ages overlooks the progress made in the studies of sciences and philosophy, especially during the High Middle Ages. It also ignores the fact that one of the most important inventions of the last millennium was created in Germany during the Late Middle Ages, the printing press, which allowed the Renaissance to move across the continent and help position Western Europe as the wealthiest region in the world.
If anything, the one aspect of the Middle Ages that has been romanticized is medieval warfare. Indeed, the Middle Ages have long sparked people’s imaginations thanks to imagery of armored knights battling on horseback and armies of men trying to breach the walls of formidable castles. What is generally forgotten is that medieval warfare was constantly adapting to the times as leaders adopted new techniques and technology, and common infantry became increasingly important throughout the period. Starting around 1000 CE, there was a gradual consolidation of power in the region after the fragmentation of the Early Middle Ages, and it brought about the rise of more centralized states that could field large armies. The Normans, one of the first groups to do this, were notable for their discipline and organization, and it’s little surprise that they were the last foreigners to successfully invade Britain under William the Conqueror in the mid-11th century.
The Middle Ages have always gripped people’s imaginations, and knights, fair ladies, castles, jousting, and feasts make for a pleasant picture, but the reality was quite different. People were dirty, disease was rife, war was cruel, and life was short. People died in bizarre ways, frequently insisted they saw visions in the sky, and invented marvelous devices seemingly way before their time. British writer L. P. Hartley famously wrote, “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” Europe in the Middle Ages was more like a different planet.
The Weird Middle A Collection of Mysterious Stories, Odd Customs, and Strange Superstitions from Medieval Times includes all kinds of tales about people and events during the era. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about some of the Middle Ages’ strangest stories like never before.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2020
468 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 15, 2020
Hoping for more of the "weird" stories
The Weird Middle Ages by Charles River Edition is a collection of stories about various aspects of life in the middle ages. Since the title said "weird" stories I was hoping it was very unusual, creepy, or humorous stories but they were really just stories. The middle ages is strange enough on its own.
The Weird Middle Ages by Charles River Edition is a collection of stories about various aspects of life in the middle ages. Since the title said "weird" stories I was hoping it was very unusual, creepy, or humorous stories but they were really just stories. The middle ages is strange enough on its own.
September 17, 2020
An interesting compilation of mysterious stories and superstitions during the medieval age. This was perhaps the reason why it was called the Dark Age before Enlightenment came in and the world changed so dramatically thereafter as science and scientific temper took over.
October 5, 2023
This was absolutely hilarious. Meowing nuns? Yes, please!!
April 8, 2024
From fiery crosses in the sky, wild hairy men, medieval aliens and Greek fire to meowing and biting nuns and dancing plagues, this little book has it all.
"Meow" - unknown medieval nun.
"Meow" - unknown medieval nun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
this was kinda hilarious. people have always been so strange
April 29, 2020
The title reads: "A Collection of Mysterious Stories, Odd Customs, and Strange Superstitions from Medieval Times" and I took that to mean "learn about odd customs from the middle ages, such as salt over the shoulder etc". I was wrong. The book covered the conversion to Christianity of the Roman emperor Constantine, some UFO stories from the middle ages, some weird looking stuff in churches, and not at all what I was expecting.
Yes it was well written, but not what I actually wanted to read.
Yes it was well written, but not what I actually wanted to read.
April 28, 2020
Good basic info
Read for a podcast episode. Some good stuff but not detail. Read on like an hour.It was a short run read. Just not too detailed..
Read for a podcast episode. Some good stuff but not detail. Read on like an hour.It was a short run read. Just not too detailed..
September 17, 2020
This is another of Charles River's explorations of the odd, awful, and weird. They have decided to talk about the Middle Ages and let me tell you, there was a reason why those folks didn't live long. Viciousness was raised to an art form in those times. The imaginative ways they killed each other were truly gruesome. This is what happens when you don't have television; you have time to think up horrible ways to kill your enemies. ,-)
The Middle Ages are sandwiched between the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. It was about 1000 years of the rise of the Catholic Church and the evolution of warfare, with the gradual consolidation of regions into states. The truth is that life was very difficult with disease (leprosy and plague, particularly), war, and constant strife. People were highly suspicious and believed in omens (any unusual sighting was an omen and usually bad news). People were generally gullible and (generally unlettered) peasants.
Gruesome deaths, strange visions, and wild hermits (often mentally unbalanced individuals who lived alone in the woods) were commonplace in the Middle Ages. People believed in monsters, unicorns, and dragons. In 1561, the first UFO was sited in Germany. There's also a section on 'weird warfare.' Tossing diseased bodies at enemies seems to have been a common practice. Interestingly, Czech nationalists gained independence by using handgonnes and artillery.
Because folks weren't too picky about what they ate, there was an awful outbreak of St. Anthony's Fire (ergot poisoning) in Paris. When rye bread gets damp, a fungus grows on the bread. People scraped off the fungus and ate; getting sores, hallucinating, and vomiting. Thousands died. Chickenpox and measles were thought to be caused by being stabbed by a water witch. Mass hysteria was common.
Charles Rivers has wonderful, quirky books about many subjects. I consider them to be hidden gems. Listed below are some of the fascinating, zany offerings from this company. I think Sean McLachlan is the mad genius behind many of these titles.
Unique Books from Charles Rivers Editors I Can Recommend:
*Weird Ireland: A History of Ancient Mysteries, Fantastic Folklore, and Urban Legends Across the Emerald Isle
*The United States Camel Corps: The History of the U.S.Army’s Use of Camels in the Southwest during the 19th Century
*The Black Death: The History and Legacy of the Middle Ages' Deadliest Plague
*The Catacombs of Paris: History of the City's Underground Ossuaries & Burial Network
*Weird Radio and Television: A Collection of SpyTransmissions, Unidentified Stations, Paranormal Activities, and other Mysteries across the Media
The Middle Ages are sandwiched between the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. It was about 1000 years of the rise of the Catholic Church and the evolution of warfare, with the gradual consolidation of regions into states. The truth is that life was very difficult with disease (leprosy and plague, particularly), war, and constant strife. People were highly suspicious and believed in omens (any unusual sighting was an omen and usually bad news). People were generally gullible and (generally unlettered) peasants.
Gruesome deaths, strange visions, and wild hermits (often mentally unbalanced individuals who lived alone in the woods) were commonplace in the Middle Ages. People believed in monsters, unicorns, and dragons. In 1561, the first UFO was sited in Germany. There's also a section on 'weird warfare.' Tossing diseased bodies at enemies seems to have been a common practice. Interestingly, Czech nationalists gained independence by using handgonnes and artillery.
Because folks weren't too picky about what they ate, there was an awful outbreak of St. Anthony's Fire (ergot poisoning) in Paris. When rye bread gets damp, a fungus grows on the bread. People scraped off the fungus and ate; getting sores, hallucinating, and vomiting. Thousands died. Chickenpox and measles were thought to be caused by being stabbed by a water witch. Mass hysteria was common.
Charles Rivers has wonderful, quirky books about many subjects. I consider them to be hidden gems. Listed below are some of the fascinating, zany offerings from this company. I think Sean McLachlan is the mad genius behind many of these titles.
Unique Books from Charles Rivers Editors I Can Recommend:
*Weird Ireland: A History of Ancient Mysteries, Fantastic Folklore, and Urban Legends Across the Emerald Isle
*The United States Camel Corps: The History of the U.S.Army’s Use of Camels in the Southwest during the 19th Century
*The Black Death: The History and Legacy of the Middle Ages' Deadliest Plague
*The Catacombs of Paris: History of the City's Underground Ossuaries & Burial Network
*Weird Radio and Television: A Collection of SpyTransmissions, Unidentified Stations, Paranormal Activities, and other Mysteries across the Media
January 13, 2025
“The Weird Middle Ages…” by Charles River Editors is a small collection of interesting accounts during the medieval period. Very short, the book gives some interesting tidbits and promptly ends. Mostly hearsay, this is just fun anecdotes for the medieval minded. 2.5/5, easy read for an afternoon.
I listened to the audiobook, which is probably a good way to enjoy this book. Only 2 hours, the book mentions some fun stories and doesn’t overstay its welcome. I think the length is perfect for the subject, making the book focused and info dense.
It should be called “Hearsay of the Middle Ages”, though. Most of these stories are completely unverifiable and act more as a “hmmm” moment than a deeper treatise on human history. Most of these tales are probably propaganda, which is explained early on and then dropped from the retelling.
More on that: the first story is about Constantine’s very Christian vision that won him a war. The book notes this is likely propaganda, as many modern historians note. This approach on less verifiable accounts is dropped later in the book, especially in the last chapter, where the Shroud of Turin gets way more credit than it deserves.
That chapter is one of the last two chapters of the book and they feel unfinished. There was an audiobook issue, where the sound quality completely changes. It’s jarring and I’m still not certain if the narrator changed or not. Regardless of the audiobook, the last two chapters are half to a quarter size of the others, which further represented a drop in quality.
In the end, this is basically a toilet book. If you want to learn some goofy stories, read this book. I think it could even be a good start for younger audiences, if it weren’t for some graphic depictions, to find subjects for further research. Quick, simple content in a neat display. 2.5/5, good for some fun little medieval info
I listened to the audiobook, which is probably a good way to enjoy this book. Only 2 hours, the book mentions some fun stories and doesn’t overstay its welcome. I think the length is perfect for the subject, making the book focused and info dense.
It should be called “Hearsay of the Middle Ages”, though. Most of these stories are completely unverifiable and act more as a “hmmm” moment than a deeper treatise on human history. Most of these tales are probably propaganda, which is explained early on and then dropped from the retelling.
More on that: the first story is about Constantine’s very Christian vision that won him a war. The book notes this is likely propaganda, as many modern historians note. This approach on less verifiable accounts is dropped later in the book, especially in the last chapter, where the Shroud of Turin gets way more credit than it deserves.
That chapter is one of the last two chapters of the book and they feel unfinished. There was an audiobook issue, where the sound quality completely changes. It’s jarring and I’m still not certain if the narrator changed or not. Regardless of the audiobook, the last two chapters are half to a quarter size of the others, which further represented a drop in quality.
In the end, this is basically a toilet book. If you want to learn some goofy stories, read this book. I think it could even be a good start for younger audiences, if it weren’t for some graphic depictions, to find subjects for further research. Quick, simple content in a neat display. 2.5/5, good for some fun little medieval info
January 20, 2024
Not As Weird As You Might Hope
This very short book contains several stories about warfare and violence during the years we call The Dark Ages or The Middle Ages. As well as commonly held superstitions and fears. The stories are interesting but told with little energy or enthusiasm. It was more like a dull dry college lecture. There were some interesting passages about ailments that affected whole villages and the unique ways they were brought under control. I gave this book three stars because while it had some interesting information, they were written in a rather dull way that didn’t pull you forward with its narrative style and it ended abruptly just as it was getting better. No summary or closing comments explaining why the word weird was included in the title or what the writer intended his audience to gain from reading it. I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend unless they were very interested in all things medieval or were in need of a good nap.
This very short book contains several stories about warfare and violence during the years we call The Dark Ages or The Middle Ages. As well as commonly held superstitions and fears. The stories are interesting but told with little energy or enthusiasm. It was more like a dull dry college lecture. There were some interesting passages about ailments that affected whole villages and the unique ways they were brought under control. I gave this book three stars because while it had some interesting information, they were written in a rather dull way that didn’t pull you forward with its narrative style and it ended abruptly just as it was getting better. No summary or closing comments explaining why the word weird was included in the title or what the writer intended his audience to gain from reading it. I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend unless they were very interested in all things medieval or were in need of a good nap.
February 3, 2024
If I'm reading a book on superstitions and odd events in history, I prefer it to be written logically, unless they are going to give their own opinions and tea into why they believe events happened. It was frustrating that after every event listed, the author said "some people think this," "some people think this is why," but "no one really knows why." I would have liked to see more of an exploration behind the events. I think it struck me odd to compare the dancing mania to the clown sightings of 2016 and gaslight people by saying it was probably due to hysteria and they never saw clowns at all.
Also for a book about medieval torture and strange events, the book was dreadfully dull, written like it was begrudgingly written for a school report. I think the book can be used as a source and insight into a few medieval events that happened.
Also for a book about medieval torture and strange events, the book was dreadfully dull, written like it was begrudgingly written for a school report. I think the book can be used as a source and insight into a few medieval events that happened.
June 27, 2020
This is kind of a different look at the Middle Ages from many other books. The thing that stood out most to me, since I'm interested in UFOs, was how many hundreds of years ago there were sightings of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and the nature of those sightings.
The author talks about the fall of the Roman Empire, Constantine and his 'vision,' and methods of death such as leprosy. There is also something about strange seemingly contagious dancing, mass hysteria, ergot poisoning (maybe a cause of the Salem Witch Trials), and something called Greek Fire.
A very, very early use of biological warefare is covered and an entire industry based around the idea of holy relics. There's also some online resources and a bibliography.
I thought the whole book was quite interesting.
Read
April 22, 2020Charles River books are usually good to give a quick background on the titled subject. Sometimes they offer the reader enough information to learn he/she really doesn’t want to pursue the subject any further. The Weird Middle Ages is a step up from Mr Rivers’ usual fare. It is better written than most of the Rivers books I have read. It was a pleasant read, and I learned something. Good job.
February 25, 2021
Interesting and silly phenomenon described throughout but much of it I've already heard or read about in other works. It's very deep and focuses a bit too much on specific dates and superfluous details occasionally but worth the read if you want some interesting things to bring up at a dinner party.
September 16, 2021
This was a book of loosely connected stories of interest from the Middle Ages. Not having read a physical copy, I can’t be certain if the narrator of the audiobook just kept saying “Charles the fourth” when the stories were about Charles VI or if the author had a major oversight. Either way, I was not impressed and I don’t understand what the point of this book was at all.
November 12, 2021
I was less impressed with this audiobook than the others I have listened to from this author. I was expecting some outrageous stories. Most of these I have heard before. They also lacked the grittiness I expect from the middle ages. More tame than I was expecting; as though it was intended for a younger audience.
June 29, 2021
I expected to laugh more while reading this book, however it is a serious edition. There were many things I had not heard of or read before, the UFO chapter was enlightening and I'm searching for more information now. This is not a long book and worth an hour or two of time.
July 31, 2021
Very short; not very interesting
I was disappointed in the length of each section. This was like the cliff notes of cliff notes for a general gloss of random facets of medieval history facts.
I was disappointed in the length of each section. This was like the cliff notes of cliff notes for a general gloss of random facets of medieval history facts.
July 30, 2020
A good book to read.
As with other books by Charles Rivers Editors, this book is filled with good stories and facts. It is straight to the point without unnecessary detaiils.
As with other books by Charles Rivers Editors, this book is filled with good stories and facts. It is straight to the point without unnecessary detaiils.
January 1, 2021
Boring
Too much speculative and useless information. Thank God it was free. No no no no no no no no no
Too much speculative and useless information. Thank God it was free. No no no no no no no no no
April 22, 2021
Interesting but not in depth
A decent overview and brief descriptions, but not very much in depth information nor context. I would have wanted a bit more depth.
A decent overview and brief descriptions, but not very much in depth information nor context. I would have wanted a bit more depth.
April 18, 2022
The stories weren’t as weird as I expected, but this is still a nice collection of stories that give some insight into medieval European life.
February 2, 2023
Fun, quirky book on what made the middle ages eccentric. Interesting to read and probably take some of those topics further with other books.
June 29, 2023
it was over too soon
A bit too short for me. It was getting on a roll and poof sad I hope to find other writings
A bit too short for me. It was getting on a roll and poof sad I hope to find other writings
January 12, 2024
Too brief to do justice to the subject material. A decent starting place for finding books that are more in depth.
January 28, 2024
If you have studied the Middle Ages, you undoubtedly know these already, but it isn't a bad book.
March 11, 2024
Fascinating read
The Middle Ages are a fascinating time in history. This book is clever, genuine, and truthful about the history. I enjoyed it.
The Middle Ages are a fascinating time in history. This book is clever, genuine, and truthful about the history. I enjoyed it.
Read
June 16, 2024v poorly written
November 2, 2024
Odd events and strange phenomena dominate this podcast-length audiobook. Entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews