The Medieval Household: Daily Living c.1150-c.1450, Geoff Egan (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London, 6, Boydell Press in Association with Museum of London, first published 1988 new edition 2010) xiv, 342pp, hardback, £30.00, $60.00  ISBN 978 184383 5431

Egan is a noted student of the subject. Since the publication of the catalogue in 1988, a couple of further sizeable medieval assemblages from London's waterfront to the urban centre has been recovered. Material assignable to individual households remains problematic as they are virtually absent from archaeological evidence.

On the other hand, important series of household finds outside London, especially from York, have appeared and it has become clear that the non-distinct material culture of the household was fairly uniform across England in the period covered by this catalogue.

The context of the finds by way of the structural elements which would have been visible such as building materials, roofing, floors, is provided but not a single item of furniture even in a fragmentary state has been uncovered.

The catalogue which is divided into sections covers over 1000 items. There are some 245 figures by way of illustrations some in colour, and a bibliography of 13 pages refers the reader to articles in relevant academic journals, monographs from the United Kingdom, USA and Europe.

A great diversity of items is listed, notably an assortment of culinary utensils, writing instruments, toys and weights. The changes in metalware and glassware are reflected and the close dating of many items gives a particular insight into life of the period.

It is an invaluable contribution to medieval cultural history available at a modest cost.

G.R. Batho