World History Books on Joan of Arc, Prince Henry the Navigator, Gutenberg’s Printing Press, the Wars of the Roses, Queen Isabella of Spain
Although Joan of Arc books and books on Gutenberg’s Printing Press are dominant topics in the following Reading List, don’t miss out on our first entry, Men of Iron. This book tends to be a favorite for boys and when you read it, you will get a great review of the Middle Ages in its first pages.
So, we suggest you read Men of Iron before you embark on other stories about Joan of Arc, world exploration, the Wars of the Roses, and more!
And don’t miss the Royal Diary series book about Spain’s Queen Isabella. It gives a great background to later lesson plans on Christopher Columbus.
WORLD HISTORY: 1400-1410
Men of Iron by Howard Pyle. Harper & Row, 1891, 1919. UE+
A boy’s journey from squire to knight, describing the events and
ceremony like no other. We meet King Henry IV in the story, which also
includes a joust and a life-or-death combat with weaponry, armor, high
stakes, and the code of chivalry. Its Middle English gives it
authenticity. Illustrated.
The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly, illus. by Janina Domanska. Macmillan, 1928. UE+
Newbery Medal. Story revolves around Poland’s unique customs and heritage during the early Renaissance.
WORLD HISTORY: 1420s
Jeanne D’Arc by Aileen Fisher. Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1970. UE-JH+
Joan’s story told for the middle school student. Includes illustrations.
Joan of Arc by Josephine Poole. 1998. E-UE
Colorful illustrations complement the story. Ends at her death,
with no clear explanation of her canonization. Includes detailed
chronology in the back.
Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley. Morrow Junior Books, 1998. UE-JH+
Full-page, color illustrations and a wealth of information on each
page. Everything you need to know about Joan, including a preface on
the Hundred Years War, pronunciation guide, map, and an epilogue of
events after her death.
Joan of Arc: The Lily Maid by Margaret Hodges. 1999. E-UE
Simple and clear, with lots of illustrations. The Author’s Note in the
back explains Joan in relationship to the Hundred Years War.
Prince Henry the Navigator by Leonard Everett Fisher. Macmillan, 1990. UE+
Relatively short, yet concise, biography. Tells why he was called “The
Navigator” and tells of his legacy to the world., Illustrated in black
and white.
WORLD HISTORY: 1440s
Breaking into Print: Before and After the Printing Press by Stephen Krensky. Little, Brown & Co., 1996. E+
Well illustrated, with tidbits of additional information in the margins.
Covers “before & after the invention of the printing press.”
Fine Print: A Story About Johann Gutenberg by Joann Johansen Burch, ill. Kent Alan Aldrich. Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 1991. UE+
Explores the painstaking efforts and many sacrifices made by Gutenberg
over about 20 years to perfect his invention. Illustrations are black
& white block printing.
Gutenberg by Leonard Everett Fisher. UE+
Ink on His Fingers by Louise Vernon.
Christian historical fiction; Gutenburg.
WORLD HISTORY: 1450s
Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson, illus. N. C. Wyeth. Orig. pub. 1888. HS
(Wars of the Roses, 1455-1487)
WORLD HISTORY: 1460s
Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) by Carolyn Meyer. Scholastic, Inc., 2000. E-UE
Isabel’s “diary” illustrates the politics of Spain in the 1460’s,
affecting this princess’ destiny as marriage contracts are arranged with
little thought for her happiness. Briefly touches on the distrust of
the Jews and other non-Catholics. Family tree, pictures, and further
historical information in the back.
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