“Medieval Lore,” edited by Robert Steele and prefaced by William Morris, is a 19th-century compilation that offers readers a window into the scientific and cultural understanding of the Middle Ages. Published in 1893, this work distills and modernizes portions of “De Proprietatibus Rerum” (“On the Properties of Things”), an extensive 13th-century encyclopedia authored by Bartholomew Anglicus. The original text, translated into English by John de Trevisa, served as a cornerstone of medieval knowledge, encompassing a wide array of topics from natural history to geography. Steele’s edition aims to make these medieval insights accessible to contemporary audiences, shedding light on the era’s intellectual pursuits and societal norms.

The book is systematically organized into thematic sections that mirror the medieval scholastic approach to categorizing knowledge. These sections include “Medieval Science,” “Medieval Manners,” “Medieval Medicine,” “Medieval Geography,” and various aspects of natural history focusing on trees, birds, fishes, and animals. Each chapter delves into the medieval perspective on these subjects, revealing how people of the time interpreted their world. For instance, the natural history sections explore the symbolic and practical significance of flora and fauna, reflecting a worldview where nature was imbued with moral and spiritual meanings. This structure not only provides insight into the content of medieval scholarship but also illustrates the interconnectedness of various fields of study during that period.

William Morris, in his preface, emphasizes the importance of understanding the Middle Ages as a dynamic period of growth and intellectual curiosity, rather than a stagnant interlude between classical and modern civilizations. He highlights the medieval eagerness for knowledge and the diligent efforts of scholars like Bartholomew Anglicus, whose works sought to compile and disseminate the era’s understanding of the natural and metaphysical worlds. Morris argues that appreciating these historical perspectives enriches our comprehension of human development and cultural heritage. His reflections set the stage for readers to engage with the text not merely as a historical artifact but as a testament to the enduring human quest for knowledge.

“Medieval Lore” serves as a bridge between past and present, offering modern readers a curated glimpse into the medieval mindset. By presenting these “classified gleanings” from Bartholomew Anglicus’s encyclopedia, Steele provides a resource that is both educational and engaging. The book invites readers to explore the foundations of medieval thought, enhancing our understanding of how historical interpretations of science, geography, and natural history have evolved over time. In doing so, it underscores the value of historical texts in tracing the progression of human knowledge and cultural development.