This webpage provides resources to help you find more information on the themes and topics of the course.
Most of the databases on this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. These are marked with a lock
. To connect to these databases from home you will need to first click on the Off-Campus Access button in the upper-right hand corner and login with your UWnetid.
Have questions or need research help? Please contact Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, via email at mudrock@u.washington.edu
Start Here to Find Background Information
Encyclopedias and other reference sources can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. More importantly, because encyclopedias often cover the major issues surrounding the subject, they can help you narrow your research from a broad "who, what, where, when" topic to a "how or why" question. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
Two searchable collections of encyclopedias are
- Dictionary of the Middle Ages - Suzzallo Reference D114 .D5 1982
- Encyclopedia of the medieval world - Suzzallo Reference D114 .E55 2005
- Medieval England: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference DA129 .M43 1998
- Medieval Germany: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference DD157 .M43 2001
- Medieval Iberia: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference DP99 .M33 2002
- Medieval Ireland: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference DA933 .M43 2005
- Medieval Italy: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference DG443 .M43 2004
- Medieval Jewish civilization: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference DS124 .M386 2003
- Women in the Middle Ages: an encyclopedia Suzzallo Reference HQ1143 .W643 2004
Start Here to Find Books
Non-fiction books can provide both an overview and indepth analysis of a topic, event or person. Many books will include footnotes and bibliography that can lead you to other research/writings on the topic.
Most academic books and articles include footnotes or a bibliography which can lead you to primary sources (and additional secondary sources) on a topic. See example. Book reviews can be useful when evaluating a book or to get a quick synopsis. Use the databases listed under "Finding Academic/Scholarly Articles" to find book reviews.
- UW Libraries Catalog - holdings of the UW Libraries. Best used for known-item searching especially journal titles and ebooks and when you want to find just what is available on campus or in a specific branch of the UW Libraries.
Start Here to Find Academic/Scholarly Articles
Academic articles, those published in scholarly journals, are the bedrock of most academic disciplines. In the field of historical research, they are considered secondary sources. They provide an indepth analysis of narrow topics. Prior to publishing, articles are vetted through a process called peer-review.
To find the actual article (either in print or electronic), use the Check for UW Holdings button available on most databases to locate a copy. If there is no button, search the UW Libraries Catalog for the title of the journal.
- Royal Historical Society Bibliography - British and Irish history; no fulltext
Start Here to Find Medieval Texts
Many medieval texts have been reprinted, some in the original Latin or other language and others translated into English.
To find medieval texts on the web try the Internet Medieval Sourcebook.
Search the UW Libraries Catalog using the following search tactics:
- Browse books published in the following series for translations of medieval texts (do a title search for the name of the series): Oxford Medieval Texts, Exeter Medieval Texts and Studies, Mediaeval Sources in Translation, Toronto Medieval Latin Texts, Manchester Medieval Sources Series, Garland Medieval Texts and others.
- Use special subject terms that designate primary sources: sources, early works to 1800, manuscripts (followed by language or country)
- Example of a Keyword search:
- law and medieval and sources
- manuscripts england
- manuscripts irish
- france and medieval and sources
Start Here to Find Websites
The Web is a growing source for primary sources dealing with history.For medieval history this includes an number of sites with digitized illuminated manuscripts.
See History on the Web for additional websites.
- Digital Scriptorium
- Early Manuscripts at Oxford University
- Enluminures
- Irish Script on Screen
- Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts - National Library of the Netherlands
Image: Two angels bringing souls to heaven, Book of Hours, circa 1440. Courtesy of the Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts collection at Koninklijke Bibliotheek.
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