While the details of day-to-day existence varied substantially from place to place and century to century, a general understanding of the basic facts of medieval life can be gleaned from these useful and enjoyable books. All of these are fairly general in nature, offering info about numerous aspects of life even when only focusing on a limited time frame, geographical area, or specific segment of society.
1. Daily Life in Medieval Times
by Frances & Joseph Gies. The Gieses' three "daily life" books (Castle, City and Village) are nicely combined in this oversized, hardcover edition, with numerous full-color images. Providing details on clothing, food, shelter, social dynamics and many other aspects of life for three different settings, there is really no better starting point for exploring the topic.2. The Ties That Bound: Peasant Families in Medieval England
by Barbara Hanawalt. Thoroughly researched, well-supported, and highly informative, this detailed examination of every facet of life for medieval English peasants is also well-written and easy to understand. A scholarly work and an enjoyable read.3. Life in Medieval Times
by Marjorie Rowling. This detail-packed book focuses on different classes in each chapter, including nobility, students, traders, monks, and much more. A very good general overview of life in early and high medieval Europe, primarily France and Germany. Inexpensive, portable, and nicely enhanced by woodcut-style illustrations.
4. Medieval People
by Eileen Power. Meet a 9th-century peasant, a 14th-century Paris housewife, a 15th-century merchant and other fascinating individuals from various walks of life. An enjoyable book by one of the foremost medievalists of the twentieth century5. Growing up in Medieval London: The Experience of Childhood in History
by Barbara Hanawalt. In this truly eye-opening work, Hanawalt provides details on birth, infancy, schooling, socialization, discipline, servitude, apprenticeship, recreation, rites of passage and more for children growing up in London in the Middle Ages. Meticulously researched and lucidly written, it's the best work on medieval childhood available today6. Medieval Women
by Eileen Power. After more than 60 years, Power's insightful essays, well-supported by primary evidence, are still the best introduction to the various roles played, privileges enjoyed and responsibilities fulfilled by women in medieval society.7. Marriage and the Family in the Middle Ages
by Frances and Joseph Gies. A fairly lucid look at family dynamics at various stages of medieval history is offered by two of the best popular historians to address the Middle Ages. Full of details on day-to-day living and biographical anecdotes as well as info on social structure and legal conventions, it is well-written, easy to absorb and highlighted by photos and illustrations.