Best Medieval Literature Books of 2025

Dragons Love Farts: They're More Fun Than Tacos! is a hilarious children's book that features dragons in silly situations that are sure to make kids laugh out loud. With colorful and dynamic illustrations, this book is perfect for even the most reluctant young reader. What makes it unique is its ability to introduce historical events and literary works in a fun and engaging way. Overall, Dragons LOVE Farts is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a novel that follows the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who struggles to reconcile her unconventional views on femininity and motherhood with the societal norms of the American South in the 19th century. The book is considered a landmark work of early feminism, dealing with women's issues without condescension. It is also a precursor to American modernist literature, with its blend of realistic narrative, social commentary, and psychological complexity. The Awakening is a must-read classic that paved the way for future feminist works, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary literature today.

The Sagas of Icelanders: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) is a compilation of ten sagas and seven shorter tales that capture the lives and deeds of the Norse men and women who first settled Iceland and their descendants. The book includes the celebrated "Vinland Sagas," which recount Leif Eiriksson's pioneering voyage to the New World and contain the oldest descriptions of the North American continent. The book is a unique body of medieval literature that ranks with the world's greatest literary treasures, and its modern realism is astonishing. Penguin Classics has once again provided authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, making it a must-read for fans of classic literature.

The book "Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings" is a collection of the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a medieval philosopher who combined ancient philosophy with medieval theology. The book covers a wide range of topics, from fundamental Christian doctrine to political science, anti-Semitism, and heresy. The volume is published by Penguin Classics, which is known for its authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Overall, the book is an excellent read for anyone interested in philosophy, theology, or medieval history.

Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of theology and philosophy. This volume brings together Anselm's most important writings, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of his thought. Anselm's approach to Christianity is characterized by his invitation to question, think, and learn, and his works on free will, truth, and the existence of God are still relevant today. Oxford World's Classics has once again provided readers with an affordable edition that reflects their commitment to scholarship. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any library.

The "Viking Language 1" book is a comprehensive guide to learn or teach Old Norse, runes, and sagas. The 2nd upgraded edition offers graded lessons, saga readings, runic inscriptions, grammar exercises, pronunciation, maps, history sections, student grammar guide, and vocabulary to teach Old Norse, Vikings, Iceland, old Scandinavia, myth and legends. The book also includes audio MP3 download and a complete sagas reader in the "Viking Language 2" book. Professor Jesse Byock, a distinguished professor of Old Norse and Medieval Scandinavian Studies at the University of California, has done an excellent job of linking sagas with archaeology. Overall, this book is a must-read for both academics and students interested in Old Norse and Viking history.

The De Doctrina Christiana ("On Christian Teaching") is a significant work by Augustine that sheds light on his thought development, especially in areas of ethics, hermeneutics, and sign theory. This new translation offers a close and updated representation of Augustine's thought. The book is part of the Oxford World's Classics series, which provides accurate texts, expert introductions, voluminous notes, and up-to-date bibliographies. The book is an excellent chance to explore Augustine's cleverness and learn about teaching. Overall, it is a valuable addition to the medieval literary criticism books, and the author's insights are worth reading.

Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho is a captivating novel that tells the story of Maria, a young girl from a Brazilian village who becomes a prostitute in Geneva after being heartbroken by love. The book takes readers on an odyssey of self-discovery as Maria must choose between pursuing a path of darkness or risking everything to find her own inner light and the possibility of true love. Paulo Coelho’s craftsmanship, imagination, and inspiration are perfectly combined in this rare and exceptional book. Overall, Eleven Minutes is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of love, sex, and self-discovery.

The Saga of the Volsungs is a captivating tale of love, jealousy, and revenge, based on Viking Age poems and set in thirteenth-century Iceland. The story follows Sigurd, the dragon slayer, as he acquires runic knowledge from Odin's Valkyries. The saga is an amalgamation of mythology, legend, and human drama and has been a primary source of inspiration for various fantasy writers. The edition comes with an illuminating introduction by Jesse L. Byock, a distinguished scholar of Icelandic and Old Norse studies at UCLA. Overall, the book is an excellent addition to the Penguin Classics collection and a must-read for those interested in classic literature and fiction.

The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is a gripping novel that explores the ageless issues of evil, suffering, and the indomitable will of the human spirit. The story follows a history student who is transported to an English village in the 14th century, just before the onset of the Black Plague. The novel draws upon Willis' understanding of the universalities of human nature and is a tour de force that won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. The book is a stunning work that encompasses both suffering and hope, and is a must-read for anyone interested in historical British and Irish literature.