Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village
This is a lovely book of miniature plays and monologues the author wrote for her students to better facilitate their understanding of the Middle Ages and pass on her fascination with history. In an English village in 1255, Schlitz vividly brings to life Thomas, the doctor’s son, who explains the four humors, his caring touch, whilst demanding payment. Otho, the miller’s son, is despised by many and speaks of want, cheating, starvation, and daily life. And Jack the half-wit—is he harebrained or misjudged?
The author has cleverly intertwined together an entire medieval village with illustrations by Robert Byrd. The result equally balances pictures with words that express the depth of young life in this era. Schlitz graces her book with humor, tragedy and touches of the gruesome.
The addition of quirky sidebars and footnotes enhances the joy in reading this remarkable and intelligent vision. Ages 10-15.
