Other editions of book The Way People Live - Life in a Medieval Village

Life for medieval villagers who lived far from larger towns and cities was a daily test of personal character and dependence upon their fellow villagers. Village life was one of hard work primarily for farmers in the local fields but also for small merchants who like the farmer, scratched out a living while obligated to the laws and customs of the village lord who occupied the apex of medieval village social structure. This book honors the millions of mostly poor and struggling peasants as they lived, married, laughed, danced, gave birth, and died in their small dank cottages at a time when struggle and hard work were the two constants of their lives.