Material culture research has become an increasingly important aspect of the study of medieval and early modern societies, yet its study often remains uncoordinated and confined to narrow subject specific boundaries. As such, scholars will welcome this volume which provides an overview of various methodological strands currently developing across a range of disciplines. Taking a refreshingly broad approach, the collection explores 'everyday objects' as a way of questioning the relationship between material culture and historical themes. In so doing it highlights the way in which the study of objects can provide unexpected access to the 'lived experience' of individuals who may otherwise have left little impact in the written records.