Gr 4-7-While Kathryn Hinds's "Life in the Middle Ages" series (Benchmark) covers broader aspects of the period, these books give easy access to the details that bring this era to life. Feasts covers many aspects of food production and distribution; banquets; and entertainment, including descriptions of the fare, drink, and eating utensils. Richard provides readers with some background on the Crusades. King Richard, Philip Augustus, Saladin, and others are brought to life in this well-written book. Women, from peasants to nobility, are described in Damsels. Although not believed to be equal to men, in reality and across classes they worked in partnership with their husbands. The lives of women in positions of power and female doctors, writers, and poets are described. The use of period quotes enhances the texts. Most of the illustrations are details of artwork from illuminated manuscripts. There are also color photographs of stained-glass windows, landscapes, cities, and stone effigies. Captions sometimes identify the century and country of origin of the artwork. The reproductions vary in quality: a number are blurry. These books will serve the needs of young report writers.-Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.