Encyclopedias - Collections of Specific and General Information
For information about anything and everything, turn to an encyclopedia to get the basics and then some. Some of these encyclopedias offer information on all topics; others focus on a specific subject. For quick reference, there's no better starting point than an encyclopedia.
The 1911 Encyclopedia
A small but growing selection of articles relating to medieval studies from the 1911 edition of an excellent encyclopedia, provided online here at the Medieval History site. All articles are in the public domain and may be freely copied, downloaded, printed or distributed. Use the subtopics above to access articles directly by initial letter.
A small but growing selection of articles relating to medieval studies from the 1911 edition of an excellent encyclopedia, provided online here at the Medieval History site. All articles are in the public domain and may be freely copied, downloaded, printed or distributed. Use the subtopics above to access articles directly by initial letter.
The ORB Encyclopedia
The Online Resource Book for Medieval Studies offers this topical index on the basics. Though relatively limited in size and still to be completely fleshed out topically, it links to substantive articles, both at the ORB website and at other authoritative medieval sites. A very good starting point.
The Online Resource Book for Medieval Studies offers this topical index on the basics. Though relatively limited in size and still to be completely fleshed out topically, it links to substantive articles, both at the ORB website and at other authoritative medieval sites. A very good starting point.
The Catholic Encyclopedia
An extensive collection of articles from the 1913 edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia, all carefully proofed. Though nearly a century old and written from a Catholic perspective, The Catholic Encyclopedia provides valuable information about many topics and individuals from the Middle Ages, when the Catholic Church was the single most powerful influence on society.
An extensive collection of articles from the 1913 edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia, all carefully proofed. Though nearly a century old and written from a Catholic perspective, The Catholic Encyclopedia provides valuable information about many topics and individuals from the Middle Ages, when the Catholic Church was the single most powerful influence on society.
The Encyclopędia Britannica
Britannica is one of the most respected resources for the scholar, online or off. Taking advantage of the flexibility and immediacy of the Internet, the online version is frequently updated with the most relevant and accurate information available, all of it fairly thorough. The website requires a subscription, but there is a free trial to decide if it suits your needs.
Britannica is one of the most respected resources for the scholar, online or off. Taking advantage of the flexibility and immediacy of the Internet, the online version is frequently updated with the most relevant and accurate information available, all of it fairly thorough. The website requires a subscription, but there is a free trial to decide if it suits your needs.
Encarta
Microsoft offers a free version of Encarta with fewer articles than the Premium subscription version. The site also provides homework help, literature guides, and Primary Sources under the heading of "sidebars."
Microsoft offers a free version of Encarta with fewer articles than the Premium subscription version. The site also provides homework help, literature guides, and Primary Sources under the heading of "sidebars."
Infoplease Encyclopedia
Though sometimes slow-loading, Infoplease provides an abundance of general information taken from the Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, most of it concise and to the point.
Though sometimes slow-loading, Infoplease provides an abundance of general information taken from the Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, most of it concise and to the point.
Wikipedia
Articles at Wikipedia are often heavily hyperlinked to related items and include photos and illustrations. It's a fine source for introductory information, but it's important to remember that anyone can edit it. Features are audited regularly to check for bad edits, but at any given time what you see could be incorrect information; be sure to check with alternate sources to verify facts.
Articles at Wikipedia are often heavily hyperlinked to related items and include photos and illustrations. It's a fine source for introductory information, but it's important to remember that anyone can edit it. Features are audited regularly to check for bad edits, but at any given time what you see could be incorrect information; be sure to check with alternate sources to verify facts.