Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus provides a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and knowledge of the 13th century. Written by the enigmatic author Anglicus, this book is a collection of various topics ranging from natural history, astrology, and philosophy. The text is written in a scholarly and didactic style, reflecting the author's deep understanding of the subjects he discusses. The book also serves as a valuable glimpse into the intellectual landscape of the medieval period, offering insight into the mindset of thinkers from that era. Readers will appreciate the detailed descriptions and insights provided by Anglicus on a wide range of topics. Each chapter is meticulously researched and presents a wealth of information in a concise and accessible manner. Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus is a must-read for those interested in medieval history, natural philosophy, and the intersection of science and religion in the Middle Ages.

Bartholomaeus Anglicus, active during the 13th century, is best known for his encyclopedic work 'De proprietatibus rerum' (On the Properties of Things), an early forerunner to the modern encyclopedia which gained considerable fame for its scope and detail on various topics. This scholastic scholar often referred to as Bartholomew the Englishman, was a Franciscan monk whose breadth of knowledge spanned across theology, natural history, psychology, alchemy, and medicine. His seminal work, translated into English as 'Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus', offered a compendium of the universal knowledge of his time. It became an invaluable resource for medieval scholars because it compiled classical and contemporary learning into a single accessible volume. His writing style strongly reflects the didactic and allegorical prose preferred during the Middle Ages, aimed at both instructing and moralizing. Bartholomaeus's work significantly influenced later medieval writers and was used as a textbook well into the Renaissance. Although the specific details of his life are scant, his contribution to the natural sciences and the dissemination of knowledge during the 13th century positions him as a pivotal figure in the intellectual history of the Middle Ages. His work not only exemplifies the scholastic efforts of his era but also serves as a vital link in the continuum of Western learning, bridging the gap between classical antiquity and the emerging modern world.