Living like it's the Middle Ages: A Guide by Olivia M. Swarthout
Olivia M. Swarthout, the researcher behind the popular art history-inspired social media account Weird Medieval Guys, has written a book that provides a tongue-in-cheek guide to living like it's 999 AD. In her book, Swarthout combines her expertise in art history with contemporary wit to give readers a hilarious and informative look into the Middle Ages.
Bringing the Middle Ages to Life
Olivia M. Swarthout, also known as @WeirdMedieval on social media, has gained a massive following by sharing strange and amusing illustrations from Medieval manuscripts. These illustrations, depicting everything from skeletons to strange animals, have become popular memes. Now, Swarthout has written a book titled 'Weird Medieval Guys: How to Live, Love, Laugh (and Die) in Dark Times,' in which she guides readers through life in the Middle Ages with her witty and contemporary commentary.
Swarthout's book not only provides entertainment but also offers a unique perspective on Medieval culture. She explores topics such as choosing a Medieval name, finding a patron saint, settling disputes through trial-by-combat, and identifying mythical creatures. By synthesizing various aspects of Medieval life, Swarthout brings history to life in a fun and accessible way.
The Unexpected Rise to Fame
Swarthout's Twitter account, which started as a personal project, quickly gained popularity and now has nearly 700,000 followers. Despite not being a historian herself, Swarthout's expertise in art history and her ability to find humor in Medieval illustrations resonated with a wide audience. Her content goes beyond memes, as she also offers a Substack newsletter and a podcast for those who want to delve deeper into the world of Medieval art.
While there are many art history humor accounts on social media, Swarthout's approach stands out. She taps into the everyday experiences of Medieval people by showcasing illustrations that were created by monks and tradespeople, offering a glimpse into their inner lives. This unique perspective is what sets her content apart and has contributed to her unexpected rise to fame.
Connecting with the Past
Despite the stark differences between our era and the Middle Ages, Swarthout believes that humor can bridge the gap. She imagines people from centuries ago finding the same joy and amusement in the illustrations as we do today. By appreciating the humor and cuteness of these Medieval artworks, we can connect with the people who lived hundreds of years ago.
To further immerse yourself in the world of Medieval humor and culture, Swarthout recommends her podcast series 'Weird Medieval Guys' and a quirky RPG game called 'Pentiment.' Additionally, readers can explore 'The Grand Medieval Bestiary,' a compendium of Medieval animal depictions, or watch the classic film 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.' For a deeper dive into Medieval beliefs about the body and medicine, 'Medieval Bodies: Life, Death and Art in the Middle Ages' by Jack Hartnell is a must-read.
