Stories chosen from 10 medieval collections (Disciplina clericalis, Dolopathos, Il Novellino, Gesta Romanorum, Il Pecorone, Les cent nouvelles nouvelles, etc.) offer a wonderful glimpse into many elements of medieval culture -- witchcraft, magic, Crusaders, astrology, alchemy, pacts with the Devil, chivalry, trial by torture, church councils, mercantile life, such famous figures as Abelard, Dante, and Giotto, and much more.