Medieval History
Librarian
Databases
- Artstor This link opens in a new windowAn amazing collection of digital images. Note that in Advanced Search, you can limit by country and range of dates (say 400 to 1400 C.E.). Or try the Illuminated Manuscript or Paintings Collection.
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowA bit difficult to search, but worth the effort. Use quotation marks around your search terms, and limit the "Type" to "Article." and History journals.
Books in the Library's First Floor Reference Section (Cannot be borrowed)
Cassell's Latin Dictionary by Call Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection: PA 2365 E5 C3 1977You may have to consult one or more dictionaries to find the word(s)in the inscription of your seal.
A Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases by Call Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection: DA129 .C67 2004Publication Date: 2005This book, as the title implies will help you decipher phrases on your seal.
Dictionary of Symbols by Call Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection: BL603 .L5413 1991The library has several symbol dictionaries, use the following call numbers to locate these books: BL 603 and N7740. These dictionaries are in two different places!
Dictionary of the Middle Ages by Call Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection: D 114 .D5 1982ISBN: 0684190737This is the source reference source for Medieval History! Dr. Adamo has a personal copy the work!
Burke's Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage by Call Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection: CS420 .B85Burke's Peerage is the definitive genealogical guide to the royal families of Europe.Dictionary of National Biography
Call Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection - DA 28 D47If you have identified the figure on seal as a Brit, this set of books will probably have a biography of your person
Oxford Companion to Christian Art and ArchitectureCall Number:Library First Floor - Reference Collection: N7830 .M87 1996Publication Date: 1996A useful source for short biographies and definitions.
Ebooks and Other Online Resources
Durham University Library-Medieval SealsCall Number:This site might be helpful in determine what type of seal you have: royal, municipal, religious, etc. The Durham Cathedral Muniments, now in the care of Durham University Library Archives & Special Collections, are one the richest British archives for surviving medieval seals.The Handbook to English Heraldry by
Call Number:Publication Date: 1914This online source contains over 500 illustrations of coats of arms and their histories.Good Impressions: Image and Authority in Medieval Seals
Call Number:Publication Date: 2008Good Impressions is an exhibition catalog for the show at the British Museum that showcased its collection of seals. The essays in this catalog address why and who used seal from 1100-1540 AD.
The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages by Call Number:This resource, though not at as thorough as the Dictionary of the Middle Age, it does includes many topics:art and architecture, medicine, and law, archaeology, ecclesiastical history, languages and literature.
Books in the Library's Circulating (Borrowable) Section
Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era: 1050-1350Call Number:Library Lower Level - U810 .N523 1999A very useful book for identifying arms, armory and those who used them.
Click to see if it is available
Gardner's Art Through the Ages by Call Number:Library Lower Level - Oversize Section: N5300 .G25 2001This text provides an overview of Medieval art and includes references that help you focus more directly on a specific time period. It is also a beautiful book to look at!
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