Bauerliches Leben im Mittelalter

This book about the medieval world of the farmers is both a source work and a presentation. The reader learns how the farmers dealt with natural disasters, famines and epidemics. The cultivation of the field, harvest and viticulture as well as the performance of taxes and compulsory services shaped the rhythm of the year. The aim was to combat pests and prevent animal diseases. Drinking, scuffling, insulting and dancing were also part of everyday life. The source texts document how a peasant wedding was celebrated and what the values ​​of peasant marriage and family consisted of. Health concerns also played a role in everyday life. In addition to annals, chronicles or documents, Epperlein also lets fables, sayings, taunts and folk songs speak. From books of penance and blessings, he deduces how the farmers perceived themselves as well as nature and society. In addition to the written sources, all of which have been translated, a large number of contemporary visual evidence is presented and commented on.