Ever wondered about the sex lives of those living in the Middle Ages? What about how to tell if your 12th century lover is just not that into you? Could you benefit from some medieval parenting advice?
Former Sudburian Danièle Cybulskie's new book, “The Five-Minute Medievalist,” sets about answering the above questions and many more.
Cybulskie, who grew up in Sudbury, but now lives in the GTA, is the daughter of author and Sudbury.com theatre reviewer Scott Overton.
A lifelong lover of Arthurian stories and Robin Hood, Cybulskie has a master's degree in English from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in medieval literature and renaissance drama.
Shortly after completing her degree, however, she had a baby. Feeling isolated from the academic world and those who shared her interests, she started a blog featuring articles she'd written about medieval life.
Three years ago, she was approached by Medievalists.net, and asked if the website could carry some of her content. Cybulskie is now one of the website's curators.
She also teaches an online course on the medieval world to college students through the OntarioLearn program.
“The Five-Minute Medievalist,” which Cybulskie self-published, features the articles that have received the most hits on Medievalists.net, plus a few bonus articles she wrote just for the book.
She said it's a light, fun read.
“It's my first publication,” she said. “I'm really excited about it, actually.”
Cybulskie said she thinks people are fascinated by books and movies about medieval times because it's different enough from today to be an escape.
On the other hand, human nature remains very much the same as it was in the Middle Ages.
“They had a lot of the same worries, they had things they loved and were passionate about,” Cybulskie said.
“The Five-Minute Medievalist” is available for $3.99 for an electronic version or $11.99 for a paperback copy. Visit www.danielecybulskie.com if you're interested in purchasing a copy.
