Prior to the late medieval period in England, reading was an activity largely confined to those who were fluent in Latin, and who either had access to libraries or who could afford the high prices books commanded in the marketplace. However around 1400, thanks to technological developments and more frequent translation of Latin works into English, a larger portion of the population began to make the reading of books, especially utilitarian books such as almanacs, medical recipe collections, and herbals part of their lives, particularly in regard to how they managed their health, homes, and the conduct of their lives.
