The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England

A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century

By: Ian Mortimer

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Imagine you could travel back to the 14th century. What would you see? What would you smell? More to the point, where are you going to stay? And what are you going to eat?

Ian Mortimer shows us that the past is not just something to be studied; it is also something to be lived. He sets out to explain what life was like in the most immediate way, through taking you to the Middle Ages.

The result is the most astonishing social history book you are ever likely to read: evolutionary in its concept, informative and entertaining in its detail, and startling for its portrayal of humanity in an age of violence, exuberance and fear.

©2008 Ian Mortimer (P)2009 Isis Publishing Ltd

Critic reviews

"A jaunty journey through the 14th century, one that wriggles with the stuff of everyday life." ( Guardian)

Detailed, Interesting and Entertaining

This book takes you by the hand and teaches you everything you need to know if you were to time-travel to medieval England, hence the title. Sometimes I almost felt the narrator walking by my side along the road, pointing at various places, people or events, stopping from time to time to explain some concept of medieval life that my 21st century brain might have trouble to comprehend.

Also, Mortimer succeeds in going into detail while keeping the listener entertained and attentive.

Finally, the narrator's voice is warm and clear, which is a big plus for me as English isn't my primary language.

A great read. I recommend this book to anyone who wonders what life would be if we were born in those times instead of our own.

great

This is a fantastic audiobook. I love the narration somewhere between a knowledgeable professor and a friend you'd love to take this time-traveling adventure with.

loved it

I'm a big medieval history fan and have read/listened to many books on the peiod. This was well read, engaging and I even learned a few new things.

Effectively "translates" England's 14th Century

What made the experience of listening to The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England the most enjoyable?

For me, history comes alive when I can understand the world in which people lived. While there's not a lot of "story" here, Mortimer does a great job of painting a picture of what the century would have been like, especially coming from our perspective. He says that one cannot truly understand one's own century without first coming to know two others. I think that is true.

Fascinating way of looking at the past

I've truly enjoyed this historical travel narrative. It was different from most history books because of how it was presented , and was incredibly fun to listen to. The narrator did an excellent job and I very much liked his voice. I found it a great way to get an idea of what the 14th century was like. It doesn't go into great detail if you're already familiar with the period, but for someone like me who is just starting to explore the history of medieval England, it was perfect!

A trip to the middle ages without needing to pack

Well constructed and well read. I have the book too. Best overview I have found.

wonderful book

This was absolutely the most informative work on this time period I have EVER encountered. Jam packed with historical tidbits I have never come across before. And given to you in such a captivating manner...

Entertaining and educational

As a history and medieval historical mystery buff, I loved this book. It had me in giggles at times , but it also made me weep at times. Narrators can sometimes make or break an Audible book, however this narration was spot on. In fact, in places the narrator's tone gets the listener through some of grislier descriptions of this time period in history. I really did feel like I was actually there as a time traveler. This read was a great experience!

An Interesting Guide

This is an interesting book with good narration. My only complaint about the audio book is that the "chapter" listing in Audible doesn't match the book, making it harder to jump to a particular section.

I just wish it was longer. Loved it.

Full of detail, well read, fascinating insights and illustrations. Ian Mortimer seems to have this subject well in hand.