Review: Medieval LEGO
Posted by Huw,
Medieval LEGO by Greyson Beights is published by No Starch Press at the end of the month, in good time for the holiday season.
As I've said many times before you're never quite sure what's in store when picking up a No Starch LEGO book because they are all very different, in content, style and intended audience. This one is certainly like no other and while it is excellent in its own way I'm not sure whether it will find its target audience, or indeed who that audience is.
It's a 124-page 8cm square hardback book on the history of medieval England, from 1028 (William the Conqueror) to 1485 (The Battle of Bosworth Field).
Around 32 events in that timeframe are covered, each one illustrated with photos of LEGO scenes accompanied by text which has been provided by a number of historians and scholars.
The models used in the photos have been constructed by the author and other notable builders. They are all excellent, and well photographed.
The accompanying text provides an overview of the event, written with young readers in mind. This is probably appropriate, but as a result a lot of details are glossed over or sanitised. Nevertheless it does provide a useful and informative summary which may well encourage further reading and research.
This is not really a LEGO book: it's a history book that uses LEGO for its illustrations. Although LEGO fans will enjoy it, I don't think it's intended for them.
Who is it for? Youngsters learning, or who want to learn, about English history, I would say. Now, I don't know for sure, but I'd be surprised if this period of English history is taught in American schools: I don't think it's even taught very much in English schools, to be honest. If it was, it would make an ideal textbook because one thing it certainly does is inject fun into what can otherwise be a dry, and unpopular, classroom subject.
There's no doubt that Greyson has done an excellent job in putting together a beautifully presented and thoroughly researched book so I really hope it does well and finds an audience, wherever it is.
Medieval LEGO is published at the end of September. You can pre-order now from Amazon: Amazon.co.uk (£10) | Amazon.com
Here are more sample spreads:
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12 comments on this article
Aspects of medieval history were certainly taught in my school. The Norman Conquest was a real favourite, although I suppose that is not entirely surprising given my proximity to Hastings!
This is not a book I will be buying but it should appeal to the target audience. However, I would suggest that the brevity of the actual history described limits its usefulness in that classroom.
I've been going through a long study of this period recently, so I'd say it's taught in schools just as much as other periods are. But I agree with the suggestion of the American schools teaching it - most kids wouldn't hear of it until they got to a certain age, and started studying world history.
I'd say that this book has some great images, and I'd be willing to buy it for the sake of them, as a Castle fan. They look to be worth £10, so why not? :)
From the perspective across the pond: this history was not focused on that much in the High School level. However the events surrounding the Magna Carta are covered, since they are seen as a influence on the US government.
The crusades are seen heavily in pop culture. I recognized Richard the Lion Heart by the Disney Robin Hood cartoon for example!
On the college level in the US, it is common that a study of European history in this timeframe is an option for completing degree requirements.
Well, my dad would probably greatly enjoy this book. But me? Not so much.
My favorite class in high school was AP European History (college credit achievable). I forget how far back we went, but it was a brutal history. My teacher loved the period, and the best teacher is one who has a passion for the subject matter.
Sadly, a lot of history is glossed over (and especially politicized) in American public schools, even our own. (But, England is covered far better than any other foreign country.) As a homeschooler though I love being able to spend more time learning about English and European history. I hope I'm not alone as it's incredibly important to understanding our current world. Perhaps this book will help pique the interests of younger LEGO fans.
Nice looking book, another one for the Christmas season.
I think it looks great! I am a history buff myself and I think it would be fun to use this book together with my son. His daddy is Brittish, so I definilty want to make sure he has a part of that culture with him, what better way than this as a starting point. THe pictures in his favourite toy should help him remember everything better :) Must have been a lot of work to put this together, I am definitly picking one up.
It sure does make me want to read England's history , with those lego pictures instead of the usual medieval painting pictures.
looks like a good book.man it seams as if every thing is in lego.
I love ancient, dark age & medieval history. I love LEGO. So I will definitely be getting this book and I can't wait to read it with my little lad who will soon be old enough to enjoy it...Wouldn't it be cool if LEGO started an ancient history theme based around Greeks and Romans.. and then supplemented it with sub-themes using civilizations like the Egyptians, Celts, Scots, Pict's, Goths, etc...
Is it really just 8cm square? That is tiny.
I can see this appealing to castle builders etc., the photographs look good and could inspire me to change periods.