Boss Techie

Travel and Travellers of the Middle Ages

THE contents of this volume, which is one of the series appearing as “The History of Civilization,” is a course of lectures delivered in the University of London. The book does not profess to be a complete survey of the subject, but several of the lectures have been expanded and the editor has added an introduction on the conception of the world in the Middle Ages. The twelve chapters are by various writers, including Prof. M. L. W. Laistner, Prof. Claude Jenkins, Sir T. W. Arnold, Baron A. F. Meyendorff, Prof. E. Prestage, Sir E. D. Ross, Prof. A. Mawer, and Dr. E. Power. Those on Christian pilgrimages, Arab travellers, the routes to Cathay, and Prester John may specially “be noted. Prof. Mawer, whose contribution on the Vikings has no references to authorities, apparently accepts the Norse voyages to Vinland, and does not mention the researches of Nansen and others with their conclusion that Vinland was a myth. The book has a few illustrations, but only two maps.

The 25 best movies and TV shows about the Middle Ages

Though films and TV series about the Middle Ages do not always attract the same level of love and critical praise as those set in other periods of history, there are still a number of notable films and TV series which take the period as their setting. For some time, many of these looked to the medieval period as a moment of chivalry and knightly quest. More recently, however, popular culture set in the Middle Ages has leaned into the gritty and grimy aesthetic, demonstrating how flexible this particular period remains and the many things it has come to represent.

Starz via MovieStillsDB

If there’s one figure from the Middle Ages who looms larger than any other, it would have to be King Arthur. His saga has been reimagined countless times, but one of the more noteworthy efforts was the short-lived Camelot from Starz. Though it only lasted one season, the series was nevertheless noteworthy for the extent to which it straddled the line between historical authenticity and the core elements of this well-established legend. In addition, it features a strong cast, and Eva Green is particularly exceptional as the cunning and ruthless Morgan Pendragon, who wants to bring down both Arthur and Camelot.

2 of 25

‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’EMI Films via MovieStillsDB

Of all the films released by the Monty Python comedy troupe, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is arguably the best and funniest. A riotous and joyful send-up of everything having to do with the King Arthur legend, from King Arthur himself to Lancelot and the Lady in the Lake. It has all of the surrealism and absurdity of the troupe’s usual humor, but what makes it really special is how it seems to understand what makes the original legends so enduringly popular. Perhaps nothing highlights its premier status more than the fact that it ended up being the basis for its musical, Spamalot.