Self-Help from the Middle Ages is an interesting self-reflective and philosophical contemplation of modern day existence through the lens of the medieval era by Dr. Peter Jones. Released 14th April 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Doubleday imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is absolutely *not* "shiny happy people" instagram influencer self-help. It is a thoughtful, philosophical, accessible-but-intellectual and reasoned historical comparison of the guiding precepts from the middle ages in Europe which invites the reader to draw their own conclusions about how it should (or can) apply to self-reflection and growth.
There's no question that modern life is tiring and damaging for all but the most privileged people today. This book invites the reader to consider the medieval analysis of the seven deadlies (pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lust) and see, through stories and historical writings left behind, what can apply to our own personal living.
The author has a brisk and intellectual style. Although he's an academic himself, the language is layman accessible "everyday" English and engagingly simple. It's annotated well and meticulously throughout, and the included chapter notes are probably worth the price of the book for further reading.
Well written and understandable and surprisingly deep.
Four stars. Highly recommended. It would be an excellent choice for public or post-secondary library acquisition, home use, or possibly as a solid non-fiction selection for book club analysis.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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