Introduction

In 1990, I became member the SCA, a group that recreates the medieval and Renaissance periods of Europe. Being the only Black female member in the Province of Ontario, Canada,  I developed a passion for the study of the history of Black people in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, from 600-1750 AD - mainly because there was very little information available.  My friend, musician Jeff Burke, had begun a bibliography but I took over the project, expanding on it greatly.  My findings first went online in 1998. 

Since then, the bibliography became a part of curriculum in at the University of Berne and appeared on reading lists in Denmark and Sweden.  I hear from people from all over the world and  I still update the bibliography from time to time.  I also make note of websites. 

In recent years I have notices a surge of interest in this area with new anthologies and art exhibits covering the social history of Black peoples in Europe and Asia.  I like to think that I played a role in that somehow.
                                       Kristine Maitland

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[Webmistress as Lady Inez deFreitas, 2007]