So you want to learn about the Middle Ages in a little more depth, but you're intimidated and you don't know where to start
Accessible, intro-level, hobbyist-friendly information sources that will interest KCD fan creators and other curious people from all walks of life
As usual, I am not a historian, and this is not a comprehensive list of sources on anything. This is a list of sources that I have found especially user-friendly and easy to dig into on my own adventures into the deep, dense world of medieval history.
Some questions you might have, but are too afraid to ask:
"I don't know jack shit about the Middle Ages, or I know a bit, but I'm concerned I might be working with old myths and misconceptions. I want to read one book that will get me on the right track."
The book you want is The Bright Ages.
"I want to know more about the way people lived in the Middle Ages. Not just the nobility, but the common people too."
Look for the authors Joseph and Frances Gies, a married couple who began their careers as a magazine editor and a schoolteacher. They wrote something like 21 books focusing on aspects of medieval society and culture in a readable, accessible style. Most, but not all, of their work deals with England and France.
"I don't want to read a book. How about a podcast? Something with good information, short-ish episodes on a variety of topics, and solid production value?"
Listen to The Medieval Podcast or Gone Medieval.
"I write smutty fanfic, but I want it to be historically-informed! I want to have a solid informational background for how sexuality worked in the Middle Ages."
The book you want is Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others. It's an academic title, so you might need to dig around for it if you don't want to pay full price, but there's no good substitute for it as an introduction to the field. The book also contains a substantial bibliography on more in-depth sources.
Happy reading/listening/creating!
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