Research guides: HIS221H5: Themes in Medieval History: Knowing and Unknowing the Middle Ages: Background Information

Oxford Bibliographies Research Guides

Oxford Bibliographies Online
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Reference Sources

These sources will provide background information on the time periods and events related to your topic. This information may help you identify primary sources or the individuals to research for primary sources. Please consult the section on Finding Primary Sources for additional tips.

The New Cambridge Medieval History
Publication Date: 1995 - 2005 (E-Book)
— Volume 1, c.500–c.700 — Volume 2, c.700–c.900 — Volume 3, c.900–c.1024
— Volume 4, c.1024–c.1198, Part 1 — Volume 4, c.1024–c.1198, Part 2
— Volume 5, c.1198–c.1300 — Volume 6, c.1300–c.1415 — Volume 7, c.1415–c.1500
The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages by Robert E. Bjork (Editor)
Publication Date: 2010 (E-Book)
It covers key aspects of European history, society, and culture from 500 to 1500 A.D., as well as the Byzantine Empire, Islamic dynasties, and Asiatic peoples of the era.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology by Clifford J. Rogers
Publication Date: 2010 (E-Book)
From the Viking invasions to the Crusades to the Hundred Years’ War, wars were crucial agents of change in medieval Europe. Articles provide information on how and why wars were waged throughout Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Crusader States between 500 C.E. to 1500.

Oxford Art Online
The gateway to Oxford’s art reference works, including the peer-reviewed, regularly updated Grove® Dictionary of Art and the Benezit Dictionary of Artists.
Grove Music Online
This online music encyclopedia, from Pre– and Early Medieval (before 800) to present, offers comprehensive coverage of music, musicians, music-making, and music scholarship.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (DNB)

OED: Origin of Words

Oxford English Dictionary Online (OED)
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Entries in the OED are supported by quotation evidence with real examples of words in use shown throughout the written record.
The primary function of OED quotations is to illustrate the way a word or sense is used through its history from its earliest use to the present day or, in the case of obsolete words and senses, the last period during which it was in use.