I am looking for resources (preferably books) on how castles were built, say, why stairs are spiralled in one direction and not the other, or what are the pros&cons of circular towers vs. octagonal ones, or the considerations for putting internal and external defence rings, the height and thickness of walls, or the differences between how the castles were built in different countries, etc. Thanks in advance!
posted by noztran on Dec 2, 2009 - 7 answers

Drafty castles, stone construction, floors strewn with rushes, noble ladies' trailing gowns... Anyone who's read any historical fiction set in the Middle Ages is familiar with these popular Medieval motifs, but I have been troubled by a number of questions about these items. Perhaps we have some period history mavens who can ease my confusion? (Warning: Long! Strewn! Possibly moldy.) [more inside]
posted by taz on Sep 23, 2009 - 28 answers

I'm looking for the best books about life in the middle ages. I am keeping the question as open as possible but I do have a few areas of specific interest. [more inside]
posted by fire&wings on Mar 14, 2009 - 25 answers

There's a term/idea referring to a period of introspection or re-evaluation occurring around age 30 (I actually have the feeling it's more precise than that: 29?). What is it?
posted by springbound on Mar 12, 2009 - 9 answers

Is there anything like an IMDB for rock music? or for sports figures? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 on Jul 2, 2008 - 9 answers

Hygiene in the Middle Ages to 19th century [more inside]
posted by victorashul on Jan 24, 2007 - 15 answers