Overview

Within these pages, discover remarkable and ingenious objects that defy explanation and reveal fascinating aspects of medieval life. A treasure trove of forgotten wonders is unveiled, inviting you to witness the marvels that once adorned cabinets of curiosities, offering a glimpse into a world where the extraordinary was a daily spectacle. Here fifty intriguing objects, often found lurking in the shadows of museums or churches, are presented. From the marvellous to the bizarre, from the ingenious to the terrifying, from the macabre to the unknown, whether usual or extraordinary in the life of a medieval person, some objects remain completely strange to our contemporary eyes, and sometimes even a little frightening. Whether it’s the miraculous story of the statue of Christ that takes on the leprosy of a patient, an explanation of the use of urinals in the Middle Ages or the history of the first prosthesis, each object is recontextualized allowing the reader to understand its origin and usage. Unearth the unknown as the past comes to life through Lorris Chevalier’s carefully curated collection of medieval objects which will spark your imagination and take you on a compelling journey through the enigmatic corridors of history.

Full Product Details

9781398125551

Table of Contents

Reviews

'A Medieval Cabinet of Curiosities offers a fresh perspective on the Middle Ages which challenges traditional interpretation of museums and collecting, revealing the vibrant intellectual curiosity that characterized the period. This book is perfect for ‘dipping in’ when reading time is limited – and I can guarantee you’ll discover something intriguing and thought provoking.' -- The Writing Desk, June 2025 'Overall, I found this quite a fascinating read. Chevalier is extremely knowledgeable about medieval Europe and these artifacts, no matter how obscure. If you want a book that tells the stories of medieval Europe through the trinkets left behind, I recommend you read “A Medieval Cabinet of Curiosities” by Lorris Chevalier.' -- Adventures of a Tudor Nerd, July 2025 'The explanations are all thorough, however, and Chevalier offers multiple possible explanations to unanswered questions, allowing the reader to think about the possible uses for or purpose of the objects included. You do need to really focus when reading, as there is a lot of information and depth in not a lot of space, though the subheadings in each section help. It’s an interesting look at lesser-known objects of the medieval period, from the Vikings through to the 16th century.' -- Tudor Blogger, August 2025

'A Medieval Cabinet of Curiosities offers a fresh perspective on the Middle Ages which challenges traditional interpretation of museums and collecting, revealing the vibrant intellectual curiosity that characterized the period. This book is perfect for ‘dipping in’ when reading time is limited – and I can guarantee you’ll discover something intriguing and thought provoking.' -- The Writing Desk, June 2025 'Overall, I found this quite a fascinating read. Chevalier is extremely knowledgeable about medieval Europe and these artifacts, no matter how obscure. If you want a book that tells the stories of medieval Europe through the trinkets left behind, I recommend you read “A Medieval Cabinet of Curiosities” by Lorris Chevalier.' -- Adventures of a Tudor Nerd, July 2025

Author Information

Dr Lorris Chevalier is a curator, historian, international conference speaker and historical advisor for films. He is a specialist in Medieval mentalities, Crusade history, chivalric ethic and liturgy. Working in Hollywood since 2019, he is mainly known for being the advisor on The Last Duel (2021) and Napoleon (2023).

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