Every history lover enjoys books, but something different can make a very welcome gift. Below are your Guide's choices for the best gifts besides books for the medieval history buff.
1. The Book of Kells on CD ROM
A perfect facsimile of every page of Ireland's most precious medieval artifact is digitally captured for you to enjoy on your computer. Includes a zoom feature for 14 significant pages and fascinating history of the manuscript narrated by Olivia O'Leary and Stephen Rea.2. La Vue Art Print
Towards the end of the 15th century the famous tapestry "the Lady and the Unicorn" was woven. Composed of six separate scenes, the most well-recognized is probably "La Vue," sight, which shows the lady holding up a mirror in which the unicorn sees himself reflected. This art print depicts the tapestry in a clean 17 x 17" rendition.3. Love's Illusion - From the Montpellier Codex
This selection of 13th-century chansons by unknown composers is among the earliest attempts to express the essence of love in song. Anonymous 4 renders these meltingly lovely tunes in rich, clear voices.
4. Excalibur
Action. Adventure. Romance. All in the most faithful adaptation of Thomas Malory's Morte d'Arthur ever brought to the screen. Director John Boorman's visually stunning epic still holds up well after two decades, and though it may not be a "historically accurate" film, it beautifully captures the essence of high medieval Arthurian legend.