Religious writings dominated the medieval literary world. Many writings had to be approved by the Catholic Church, which held much authority and made sure no heretical books were available to the public. The Bible, written in Latin, was the most widely read book. One religious masterpiece written during this time was Dante's "The Divine Comedy."
In the medieval era, some practitioners of medicine used herbs, magic, prayers, astrology and charms, all of which were the subjects of books. Apothecary books detailed mixtures of herbs to alleviate medical conditions. Books about human anatomy, symptoms of illness and surgery were available.
Imaginative writers in the medieval period largely wrote romance, a genre about chivalry and adventure that was written primarily for the wealthy. Scripts for plays were very dramatic and began in the church with depictions of the Passion. Eventually writers produced mystery plays that were performed outside of church walls.
The arts of cooking and baking were typically passed from generation to generation through experience and teaching. Some food-related events, such as dining at the great hall, required more knowledge. The great hall was the main room in a lord's house or in a palace, and meals served there consisted of many courses. Books on the subject informed readers of the etiquette of the event, such as sitting in a spot designated for your social class and not blowing your nose in the napkin intended for your hands. Readers of the etiquette books were usually young nobles or young servants working at the meals. Some people wrote recipe books, but the recipes were sketchy; cooks and bakers added detail as they taught apprentices.
History was recorded in either chronicles or annals. Annals were listings of events by date; chronicles told the general story, leaving out many details. One popular book during the medieval era was "The History of the Kings of Britain," which tells the tale of King Arthur. Science books listed facts about animals and plants, and many books discussed alchemy, a precursor to modern chemistry.