A Medieval Cabinet of Curiosities

Within these pages, discover remarkable and ingenious objects that defy explanation and reveal fascinating aspects of medieval life. A treasure trove of forgotten wonders is unveiled, inviting you to witness the marvels that once adorned cabinets of curiosities, offering a glimpse into a world where the extraordinary was a daily spectacle. Here fifty intriguing objects, often found lurking in the shadows of museums or churches, are presented. From the marvellous to the bizarre, from the ingenious to the terrifying, from the macabre to the unknown, whether usual or extraordinary in the life of a medieval person, some objects remain completely strange to our contemporary eyes, and sometimes even a little frightening. Whether it’s the miraculous story of the statue of Christ that takes on the leprosy of a patient, an explanation of the use of urinals in the Middle Ages or the history of the first prosthesis, each object is recontextualized allowing the reader to understand its origin and usage.

Unearth the unknown as the past comes to life through Lorris Chevalier’s carefully curated collection of medieval objects which will spark your imagination and take you on a compelling journey through the enigmatic corridors of history.