Medievalists mainly at American universities, as well as some independent scholars are the authors of entries on 361 medieval people. Though the dates 477-1453 reflect traditional divisions in the history of western Europe (the fall of the Roman Empire, the fall of Constantinople), the editors have chosen a broad geographical scope. People from western Europe predominate, but many are included who lived in the Islamic world, Byzantium, China, Mongolia, and Japan. Among those whose biographies are included are Abu Hanifah, Abul Wefa, Roger Bacon, Basil the Macedonian, Li Bo, Li Zingzhao, Ludmilla, Matilda of Canossa, and Zeami Motokiyo. Written for the popular reader, high school or undergraduate student, each entry provides an initial section with vital statistics; the biographical essay describing the figure's life, accomplishments, and significance; a bibliography; and cross references to the companion reference work Great events from history; the middle ages. Many of the entries are revised versions of those previously published in the Dictionary of world biography (1998-1999) and Great lives from history (1987-1995), both also by this publisher. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)