Night in the Middle Ages

Night in the Middle Ages, Volume 1, is a detailed historical study that examines the experience of darkness during the medieval period. Jean Verdon explores how the absence of modern technology left people vulnerable to the fears of the night, where superstition, crime, and demonic fantasies prevailed. This work of non-fiction focuses on the daily realities of civilization in both rural and urban settings.

The text analyzes the practical ways people managed the dark, including the use of taverns and bonfires. It provides insight into medieval sleeping arrangements and the spiritual significance of the night as a period for divine visions. By utilizing literary and documentary evidence, Night in the Middle Ages offers a comprehensive look at the social and psychological landscape of the Middle Ages.