Trial by Fire and Battle in Medieval German Literature. by Vickie L. Ziegler. Studies in German Literature, Linguistics, and Culture. Rochester, NY: Camden House, 2004. Pp. xii + 234. $75.

In Trial by Fire and Battle in Medieval German Literature, Vickie L. Ziegler examines medieval judicial ordeals in selected works from the literary tradition of the German Middle Ages. As noted in the preface, literary texts often provide valuable evidence regarding contemporaneous understanding of legal issues, the practical application of law, and a given medieval author’s perspective on juridical matters.

Debra L. Stoudt
University of Toledo