Recently I read a non-fiction book called The Clockwork Universe which explained how people prior to the Enlightenment thought in an entirely different manner than what we would consider rational. The populace of the Middle Ages believed that everything happened because God willed, from the mightiest storm to the fall of the smallest sparrow. They believed in witches and curses and the magical power of saintly relics. If a learned doctor came to treat a patient, the first thing he would ask would be the astrological sign, and then he would consult his astrological tomes to learn what ailed you. The doctor might opt to bleed you, in order to balance your four "humors" - blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm. The cure might call for leeches, or mercury, or heating with red hot cups. Of course, if Cadfael used any of these dreadful methods, the reader would pull back in dismay. Peter's does such a good job presenting her vision of 12th century England - describing their habits, dress, way of speaking - that it is convincingly authentic sounding. But Brother Cadfael hasn't yet bled one of his patients in any of the eight volumes I have read, nor has he asked any of them their sign. Cadfael administers potions and salves, binds wounds and recommends rest - just like a good 20th century medical practitioner would do. I am not criticizing Peters, she has invented an interesting depiction of medieval life, and clearly she has done a tremendous amount of research on how society functioned back then. The books are enjoyable reads; I think a more accurate depiction of those times, with it filth, diseases, superstitions and poverty would make for a less pleasant story.