Cocoanuts in Mediaeval England

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The boundaries of your world remain permeable. And you might see a parrot at the port and have a cup made from a cocoanut, or taste a drink mixed with ginger. You're still part of a world where things are still moving. We don't imagine mediaeval people having the kind of curiosity we have in our own lives. They may have different perceptions, but i want people who are full humans. That's really when i look for mediaeval fiction or mediaevalis, i'm looking for humanity.

David Perry is a freelance journalist covering politics, history, education, and disability rights. He was a professor of Medieval History at Dominican University from 2006-2017, and now works as an academic advisor in the history department of the University of Minnesota. His scholarly work focuses on Venice, the Crusades, and the Mediterranean World. Numerous topics covered include: Reasons to study history; how historical figures and institutions claimed legitimacy; calling an Age "Dark" or "Golden" in order to get legitimacy; patronage of the arts to prop up legitimacy; fake innovation and fake continuity; bastardy; parrots and coconuts in medieval Europe; and more! David Perry website David Perry Patreon "The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe" by Matthew Gabriele and David M. Perry