medieval literature essay ideas

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20 medieval literature research paper topics to boost your interest in the subject.

Medieval literature is a challenging topic, for any student striving to read and understand a topic that is so far in the past. Today's technological world makes it quite difficult to understand a pre-internet time, not to mention a pre-Shakespearean world of literature.

What Was the Medieval Period?

The medieval period is a long-spanning period in literature that is marked as lasting from the year 500 A.D. to the 15th century AD. The medieval period is dated from the beginning of the fifth century and the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the age called the Birth of Discovery.

Medieval literature As a Category

The category of medieval literature is a very broad one, including all works from Europe and beyond for many centuries. Therefore, one must choose a topic that is very, very narrow in order to have a manageable paper topic-- unless one wants to write a very long book. In general, the narrower the topic, the better the essay.

Some Ideas for Topics: Themes in Medieval Literature

There are several distinct themes that occur time and time again in medieval writings. They are the dangers of the seven deadly sins, the dictates of courtly love, the humors, the heavenly virtues (what one should live like), and the code of chivalry-- all medieval texts pay homage to these themes in one form or another and these would make good world history research paper topics in and of themselves.

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Essays on Medieval Literature

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The chapters in this book are chiefly concerned with English and Scottish writings of the 14th and 15th centuries. Those on Chaucer's Knight's Tale , Langland's second version, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , and Henryson's Preaching of the Swallow belong together as attempts to clarify the meaning of particular poems from this period by explaining concepts or institutions which are more or less unfamiliar nowadays: the scheme of the three ages in Chaucer, the sequence sermon-confession-pilgrimage-pardon in Langland, honour and shame in Sir Gawain, and the virtue of prudence in Henryson. Of the other two chapters on Canterbury Tales, that on the Merchant's Tale represents a kind of ‘new criticism’ of Chaucer whereas the second which is on Sir Thopas indicates one way for ward for Chaucer criticism now, through the detailed study of his poetic language. The chapter on The Cloud of Unknowing and on the audience of Piers Plowman are both primarily concerned with questions of style. The remaining four chapters range more widely and they discuss the importance of context, the medieval poet's presentation of himself, the ‘nature ideal’ in thinking about the ages of man, and the integrity of the literal level in allegories.

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Navigating the Medieval Era: Your Essay Compass

Embarking on an intellectual odyssey through the medieval era, a period brimming with brave knights, feudal complexities, and monumental architectural marvels, can be an enriching and exhilarating adventure for every budding historian. In this voyage through time, a zealous student doesn’t merely flip through dusty pages of ancient times but immerses themselves in narratives that resonate with passion, courage, and curiosity.

To navigate this labyrinthine period with discernment and finesse, one requires a robust compass and a finely-tuned guide that elucidates the intricacies of this epoch with a seasoned touch. This meticulously curated guide intends to be your steadfast companion in this endeavor, offering a compelling array of essay topics and invaluable insights to augment your writing prowess. Steeped in rich details and expert perspectives, this guide seeks to transform your historical explorations into scholarly artistry.

So, buckle up as we prepare to traverse the labyrinthine paths of the medieval world, shedding fresh light on its multifaceted dimensions while honing your skills to craft insightful and captivating essays. Together, we shall delve deep, fostering a narrative as engaging as the era. Let’s venture into this remarkable journey with vigor and a keen eye, unveiling the intricate layers that make the medieval era a historian’s treasure trove.

Table of content

The Importance of Learning History

In the grand scheme of academia, studying history is a beacon of enlightenment, an unending dialogue between the past and present, aiming to forge a future rich in knowledge and understanding. When we immerse ourselves in the riveting chapters of the medieval era, we don’t merely acquaint ourselves with a timeline of events; we become privy to the pulsating heartbeat of a civilization in its prime, discerning the whispers of ancient tales echoing through the corridors of time.

Learning history, especially delving into the labyrinthine annals of the medieval period, fosters a deeper connectivity with the roots of human civilization. This epoch, resplendent with glorious castles, brave knights, and sprawling empires, holds a treasure trove of lessons that resonate profoundly with the intricacies of modern society. A period marked by a remarkable confluence of art, culture, and philosophical introspection, the medieval era offers fertile ground for scholarly exploration and discourse.

Moreover, becoming adept in historical learning isn’t merely an academic pursuit but an endeavor that sharpens the intellect, cultivating a discerning mind capable of nuanced analysis and critical thinking. As history students, you are no less than detectives, piecing together fragments of a grand mosaic, unveiling captivating and instructive narratives.

Engaging with history also nurtures empathy and cultural sensitivity as we traverse tales of triumphs and tribulations, fostering a profound appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experiences that have unfolded over centuries. Through this immersive journey, you cultivate the ability to perceive the world through a lens polished with the wisdom and insights garnered from bygone eras.

So, as you stand on the threshold of this historical journey, remember that you are not just students but stewards of history, entrusted with the noble task of unraveling the rich narratives that define the essence of humanity. Armed with curiosity and scholarly rigor, venture forth to navigate the rich and complex terrain of the medieval era, shaping a future enriched with the sagacious lessons gleaned from the past.

Essay Writing – Crafting Your Masterpiece

Embarking on the path of crafting an exceptional essay is akin to nurturing a masterpiece from a blank canvas; it demands a harmonious blend of insight, finesse, and intellectual artistry. In the academic sphere, a well-crafted historical essay serves as a vibrant tableau, vividly portraying the nuances of the medieval era with an emotional depth that captivates the reader, inviting them to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of times long past.

Your essay should be more than a repository of facts; it should pulsate with the living essence of the period, entwining meticulous research with a narrative that sings the symphonies of an era steeped in chivalry, culture, and groundbreaking discoveries. Each paragraph should unfold like a chapter in a grand epic, weaving a story that resonates with authenticity and scholarly sophistication.

To achieve this, begin with a Thesis Statement that stands tall like a lighthouse guiding your reader through the ocean of knowledge you are about to unfold. Craft it with clarity and conviction, paving a clear path toward discovery and enlightenment.

Your arguments should stand on the solid ground of Evidence-Based Arguments, fortified with the robust support of credible sources, infusing your essay with a depth that transcends mere opinion. These arguments should resonate with the cadence of a well-rehearsed symphony; each note vital in the grand orchestration of your scholarly discourse.

Employ an Active Voice throughout your narrative to infuse it with vitality and immediacy. This choice of narrative style lends a dynamic and engaging tone to your essay, allowing your readers to walk alongside you as you traverse the vibrant landscapes of the medieval world.

Strategically utilize Transition Words to craft a narrative that flows like a majestic river, guiding your readers seamlessly from one idea to the next, maintaining a rhythmic cadence that enchants and engages throughout the journey.

As you approach the culmination of your literary expedition, present a Conclusion that resonates with the wisdom garnered through your analytical voyage. This final section should echo the richness of a sunset that gracefully ties together the day’s hues, presenting a satisfying and illuminating panorama.

Remember, your essay is not just an academic exercise but a testament to your scholarly prowess and a tribute to the majestic era you are exploring. It stands as a beacon of your intellectual journey, echoing the voices of a time resplendent with tales of courage, innovation, and human spirit. Forge ahead, crafting a masterpiece as timeless as the era it seeks to portray.

Essay Topics to Consider

Embarking upon a journey through the rich and diverse narratives of the medieval period is both a privilege and a delight for the enthusiastic scholar. As you stand on the cusp of this intellectual venture, selecting a topic that resonates with your scholarly inclinations and offers a fertile ground for exploration and discourse becomes imperative. To aid you in this crucial step, we unfold a grand canvas of essay topics, each promising to lead you through intriguing pathways of history, unveiling facets of the medieval era that beckon with tales rich in complexity and depth.

Here is a collection of intellectually stimulating essay topics that promise to add a vibrant hue to your academic palette:

The Magnitude of Charlemagne’s Empire
The Influence of the Catholic Church in Medieval Europe
Feudalism: The Backbone of Medieval Society
The Crusades: Causes and Consequences
The Magnificence of Gothic Cathedrals
Medieval Literature: A Window into Society
The Role of Guilds in Medieval Towns
Viking Raids and their Impact on Europe
The Life and Times of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Trade and Commerce in the Hanseatic League
The Evolution of Castles from Motte-and-Bailey to Stone Fortresses
Magna Carta: The Cornerstone of Modern Democracy
Medieval Medicine: Between Myth and Reality
The Hundred Years’ War: Analyzing the Long-Term Effects
Courtly Love and Medieval Romance Literature
Islamic Golden Age: Its Influence on Medieval Europe
The Artistic Flourishes of the Carolingian Renaissance
Medieval Siege Warfare: Tactics and Technologies
Women in Power: The Reign of Matilda of Tuscany
Life in a Medieval Village: A Microscopic View
Exploring the Diverse Medieval Cuisine
The Black Death: Society’s Response and Adaptation
The Albigensian Crusade: A Forgotten Conflict
Byzantium: The Guardian of Ancient Wisdom
The Reconquista: The Reclamation of Iberia
Scholasticism: The Marriage of Faith and Reason
Chivalry: The Code of the Medieval Warrior
Medieval Maritime Trade: Navigating Oceans and Seas
The Rise and Impact of the Medieval Universities
Monastic Life: The Spiritual Heartbeat of the Medieval Society
Medieval Festivities and Celebrations: A Colorful Spectrum
The Troubadours: Voices of the Medieval Era
Mysticism and Spirituality in the Medieval Church
The Norman Conquest: A Turning Point in English History
The Formation and Importance of the Holy Roman Empire
Illuminated Manuscripts: Artistry in Written Word
Exploring the Lives of Medieval Peasants
Medieval Heraldry: Symbols and Significance
The Rise of the Mendicant Orders: Franciscans and Dominicans
The Knights Templar: Mystery and Mythology
Alchemy in the Medieval Period: Science or Superstition?
The Great Schism: A Church Divided
Bede: Chronicler of Anglo-Saxon England
The Mongol Invasion: A New Perspective on Medieval Europe
The Papal Inquisition: Religion and Power
Medieval Armor and Weapons: The Evolution of Warfare
Medieval Music: The Soundscapes of an Era
Merchants in the Medieval Society: Risk and Reward
Thomas Aquinas: Bridging Faith and Philosophy
The Cult of Saints in Medieval Christianity
Gender Roles and Norms in Medieval Society
Medieval Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith
Medieval Urbanization: The Growth of Cities
The Bayeux Tapestry: A Pictorial Chronicle of the Norman Conquest
Medieval Agriculture: The Backbone of Society
The Role of Monarchs in Governing Medieval Kingdoms
Exploring the Medieval Bestiary: A Symbolic Compendium
Medieval Justice: Laws and Punishments
Medieval Maritime Adventures: The Voyages of the Vikings
Medieval Theatre: The World on Stage
Anatomy of a Medieval Castle: Architecture and Purpose
Scribes and Manuscript Production in the Medieval Era
The Gregorian Reform: A Shift in Church Politics
Knights Hospitaller: The Crusader Healers
Medieval Cartography: Mapping the World
Medieval Falconry: A Noble Hunting Tradition
Joan of Arc: A Historical and Mythological Analysis
Medieval Astronomy: The Stars and the Supernatural
The Medieval Silk Road: A Nexus of Trade and Culture
Medieval Minstrels: Entertainers of the Courts
The Gothic Novel: Tracing its Roots in Medieval Literature
Medieval Coinage: Economics and Symbolism
The Migration Period: Shaping of Medieval Europe

As you traverse this plethora of topics, let your academic curiosity unfurl, selecting a niche that intrigues you and promises to unveil a rich narrative waiting to be explored through your scholarly lens.

Polishing Your Essay

Once you’ve maneuvered through the intricate pathways of crafting your essay, the expedition doesn’t halt there. It’s essential to revisit your creation with a scrutinizing eye, meticulously polishing every facet to ensure it resonates with scholarly excellence and eloquence. Refining your essay is akin to a skilled craftsman sculpting a masterpiece, smoothing each edge to reveal a work of art that stands tall in the annals of academic achievement.

Clarify Your Thesis

Begin by revisiting your Thesis Statement, the heartbeat of your essay. Ensure it pulsates with clarity and vibrancy, articulating your central argument with precision and authority. It should beckon the readers into your analytical realm, promising them an intellectual voyage of depth and significance.

Enhance Your Argumentation

Proceed to fortify the bastions of your Arguments, crafting them with layered complexity and nuanced insights. Each argument should stand as a testament to your comprehensive research and analytical prowess, offering a vantage point that illuminates the medieval era in fresh, exciting hues.

Robust Evidence

Equally crucial is the validation of your arguments with Robust Evidence. Integrate a rich tapestry of sources, weaving them seamlessly into your narrative. This embroidery of authentic resources amplifies your essay’s credibility, showcasing a narrative enriched with diverse perspectives and scholarly dialogues.

Fluid Narrative Style

As you navigate your essay, ensure a Fluid Narrative Style that dances gracefully through each point, maintaining a harmonious balance between depth and readability. Your words should flow like a serene river, guiding the reader with grace and poise through the undulating landscapes of your discourse.

Meticulous Proofreading

Embark on the final but pivotal stage of Meticulous Proofreading, where you don the hat of a vigilant guardian, safeguarding the sanctity of your essay against grammatical errors and stylistic inconsistencies. This phase is your opportunity to fine-tune your masterpiece, sculpting it to attain a form that resonates with scholarly elegance and finesse.

Conclusion: A Graceful Culmination

As you approach the finale, craft a Conclusion that mirrors the grandeur of a sunset that gracefully binds the day, echoing the richness and vibrancy of the narratives you’ve woven through your essay. It should encapsulate the essence of your discourse, leaving the reader with a lingering resonance of the depth and insights explored within your academic voyage.

Remember, polishing your essay is not just an act of refinement but a rite of passage that transforms your scholarly endeavor into an intellectual beacon, shining brightly in the academic firmament, echoing the richness and complexity of the medieval era in all its glory.

As you stand on the precipice of concluding your intellectual foray into the medieval era, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect upon the vibrant tapestry of narratives, insights, and scholarly dialogues you’ve woven throughout your essay. This journey, rich with the exploration of bygone eras and deep dives into the complexities of human history, has not merely been an academic pursuit but a celebration of the intricate mosaic of human experience during the medieval period.

Drawing the curtain on your essay should be akin to concluding a grand and illustrious symphony, where every note reverberates harmoniously, and each melody resonates profoundly. Your conclusion should not merely serve as a summary but a powerful testament to your intellectual journey. It is your final act of weaving together the multifaceted narratives explored within the text, binding them into a cohesive and eloquent whole that stands as a beacon of scholarly excellence.

Reflect on the critical insights gleaned through your exploration, offering a panoramic view that invites readers to ponder the medieval period’s rich nuances and vibrant intricacies. Please encourage them to delve further into the expansive sea of knowledge that history generously offers, fostering an environment of perpetual learning and intellectual curiosity.

Moreover, it would be wise to revisit your thesis, offering a refined and mature perspective that has been honed through the extensive exploration undertaken in your essay. This revisitation serves as a harmonious closure, aligning the beginning and the end in a seamless embrace, showcasing the evolution of thought and understanding fostered through meticulous research and analysis.

Remember, a well-crafted conclusion transcends the boundaries of mere summary, blossoming into a thoughtful reflection that echoes with the wisdom and insights garnered throughout your scholarly expedition. It should leave your readers with a sense of fulfillment, yet tinged with the exhilarating promise of further exploration, igniting a flame of passion and curiosity that will continue to burn bright in academia.

As you pen down the final lines, envision your conclusion as a seasoned storyteller, narrating the last chapter of a grand tale filled with the grandeur and majesty of the medieval period, inviting readers to linger, ponder, and embark upon their journeys of discovery. This is your moment to shine as a beacon of intellectual prowess, guiding others through historical scholarship’s rich and rewarding pathways. Stand tall and confident as you conclude your masterpiece, ready to inspire, enlighten, and foster a deep-seated appreciation for the mesmerizing world of medieval history.

Ideas of the World in Early Medieval English Literature

The essays in this volume investigate how the Anglo-Saxons perceived the outside world, how they positioned themselves in it, and how they interacted with it.

Across three thematically-linked sections, this volume charts the development of competing geographical, national, and imperial identities and communities in early medieval England. Literary works in Old English and Latin are considered alongside theological and historical texts from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Accounts of travel, foreign contacts, conversion, migration, landscape, nation, empire, and conquest are set within the continual flow of people and ideas from East to West, from continent to island and back, across the period. The fifteen contributors investigate how the early medieval English positioned themselves spatially and temporally in relation to their insular neighbours and other peoples and cultures. Several chapters explore the impact of Greek and Latin learning on Old English literature, while others extend the discussion beyond the parameters of Europe to consider connections with Asia and the Far East. Together these essays reflect ideas of inclusivity and exclusivity, connectivity and apartness, multiculturalism and insularity that shaped pre-Conquest England.

Brepols - Ideas of the World in Early Medieval English Literature

Global Medieval Studies

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Research Languages

Background Information

Anglo-saxon and medieval primary sources, research guides, bibliographies & indexes, browsing areas.

Cite Sources

Consult these sources to learn more about literary authors, periods, genres, texts, and their historical contexts.

Dictionary of the Middle Ages LAU Pierce Reading Rm D114 .D5 1982 v. 1-13
A New Critical History of Old English Literature LAU Stacks PR173 .G73 1986
The Cambridge History of Medieval English Literature Online and LAU Ref Stacks & LAU Stacks PR255 .C35 1999
The Cambridge History of Early Medieval Literature Online and LAU Stacks PR255 .C347 2012
17th-18th Century Burney Collection Newspapers This link opens in a new window Gathered by Reverend Charles Burney, 17th-18th Century Burney Collection Newspapers is a collection of the newspapers and news pamphlets primarily published in London, with some English provincial, Irish and Scottish papers, and examples from the American colonies. The original Burney volumes are now in a poor physical state and only available through restricted use.
An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (Bosworth-Toller)
Bloomsbury Medieval Studies This link opens in a new window Bloomsbury Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary digital resource with a global perspective which opens up the medieval world for students and scholars. It brings together high-quality secondary content with visual primary sources, a brand new reference work and material culture images into one cross-searchable platform, to support this rich field of study.
British Literary Manuscripts This link opens in a new window A digitized collection of manuscripts of British authors dating from roughly 1120 to 1900. Contains poems, plays, novels, diaries, journals, correspondence, and other papers from major library collections, reproduced in facsimile and searchable via detailed descriptive information.
Corpus of Middle English Prose and Verse Comprises 54 Middle English prose and verse texts from the University of Michigan faculty. The collection may be either browsed or searched using simple, proximity, Boolean, and citation searches.
Database of Middle English Romance This link opens in a new window A guide to more than 80 verse romances from between c.1225 and c.1500. Provides details on date and place of composition (where known), verse form, authorship and sources, extant manuscripts and early modern prints, a full list of modern editions, and a plot summary. Includes direct links to all of the available online modern editions.
Early English Books Online (EEBO) This link opens in a new window Features page images of almost every work printed in the British Isles and North America, as well as works in English printed elsewhere from 1470-1700. From the first book printed in English through to the ages of Spenser, Shakespeare and of the English Civil War, EEBO's content draws on authoritative and respected short-title catalogues of the period and features a substantial number of text transcriptions.
Early English Books Online (EEBO) Text Creation Partnership (TCP) This link opens in a new window A partner database to Early English Books Online. Provides a subset of fully searchable texts from the titles available in EEBO. more... less... Any EEBO researcher can view the 250,000 page-image editions of EEBO titles, but only TCP partners can view these plus the corresponding full ASCII text.
The Labyrinth: Resources for Medieval Studies Serves as a guide to online Medieval resources, including primary texts, secondary texts, and bibliographie
Leeds Medieval Manuscripts A collection of digitized medieval manuscripts held at Leeds University Library. Every page with significant examples of illumination has been digitised, including miniatures, historiated initials and decorated borders.
Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature Provides an online anthology of literature from Middle English, the Renaissance, & the 17th century. Includes essays, articles, and selected texts.
Making of the Modern World This link opens in a new window Collection of digital facsimile images of 61,000 works of literature on economics and business published from 1450 through 1945. Covers commerce, finance, social conditions, politics, trade and transport. Includes: Part I: The Goldsmiths'-Kress Collection, 1450-1850 Part II, 1851-1914
Medieval and Early Modern Sources Online This link opens in a new window Medieval and Early Modern Sources Online (MEMSO) is an essential resource for the study of Britain and its place in the world during the medieval and early modern period (c. 1100-1800).
Medieval Family Life This link opens in a new window Medieval Family Life contains full-color images of the original medieval manuscripts that comprise the Paston, Cely, Plumpton, Stonor, and Armburgh family letter collections, along with full-text searchable transcripts from printed editions. Also includes family trees, chronology, a map, and a glossary.
Medieval Travel Writing This link opens in a new window Provides an extensive collection of manuscript materials for the study of medieval travel writing in fact and in fantasy. The main focus is accounts of journeys to the Holy Land, India and China. The core of the material is a magnificent collection of medieval manuscripts from libraries across Europe and dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
Renascence Editions An online repository for digital editions of works printed in English between 1477 and 1799.
TEAMS Middle English Text Series Provides digital copies of Middle English texts.
Thesaurus of Old English An online edition of A Thesaurus of Old English , first published by King’s College London in 1995.

Use the below guides to go deeper into your research.

cover jacket of the Literary Research Guide

A Bibliography of Publications on Old English to the End of 1972 A bibliography of books, editions, articles, notes, and reviews published from the 15th century through 1972 on Old English literature.
Catalogue of Manuscripts Containing Anglo-Saxon A descriptive catalog of more than 400 Old English manuscripts written before c. 1200.
Census of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the United States and Canada LAU Ref Stacks Z6620.U5 R5 v.1-3
Chaucer Bibliography Online Includes materials from the Annotated Chaucer Bibliography published annually in Studies in the Age of Chaucer.
Digital Index of Middle English Verse (DIMEV) The DIMEV provides transcriptions of the first two and last two lines of each witness of each Middle English verse text (i.e., for all witnesses for which this data has thus far been collected).
Feminae: Medieval Women & Gender Index Covers journal articles, book reviews, and essays in books about women, sexuality, and gender during the Middle Ages.
Medieval Manuscripts in British Libraries Catalog of manuscripts written prior to c. 1500 in Latin or Western European languages. LAU Ref Stacks Z6620.G7 K4 v. 1-5
Old English Newsletter Include events, reports, essays, and publications as well as a searchable bibliographic database comprising the OEN Bibliography from 1973 to 2002. more... less... The database is free to use but requires registration.

The following sections are good for browsing for books on Anglo-Saxon and Medieval literature, which are shelved on the 5th floor of Lauinger Library.

English Language

PE101-458 – Anglo-Saxon. Old English

PE501-693 – Middle English.

English Literature

PR171-236 – Anglo-Saxon (beginnings through 1066)

PR251-369 – Medieval. Middle English (1066-1500)

PR1490-1799 – Anglo-Saxon literature

PR1803-2165 – Anglo-Norman period. Early English. Middle English.

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Last Updated: May 31, 2024 3:15 PM
URL: https://guides.library.georgetown.edu/medieval

Medieval History Research Paper Topics

In this page dedicated to medieval history research paper topics , students are presented with a wide-ranging list of captivating subjects that delve into the intricacies of the medieval era. Divided into ten categories, each containing ten unique topics, this comprehensive collection explores various aspects of political, cultural, religious, and military life during this fascinating period. From analyzing influential events to examining societal transformations, these research paper topics provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of medieval history and develop engaging academic papers.

100 Medieval History Research Paper Topics

The study of medieval history opens a doorway to a captivating era filled with knights, castles, and profound societal changes. Exploring the medieval period through research papers allows students to dive deep into various aspects of this time, uncovering fascinating stories and shedding light on significant historical events. In this comprehensive list, we present ten captivating research paper topics in each of the ten categories, offering students a plethora of options to explore and delve into the rich tapestry of medieval history.

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Political History

The Role of Monarchy in Medieval Europe: Power, Succession, and Dynasties
Feudalism and Its Influence on Medieval Society
The Magna Carta and the Evolution of Constitutionalism
The Crusades: A Political and Religious Endeavor
The Hundred Years’ War: Causes, Key Battles, and Consequences
The Byzantine Empire: Politics and Influence on Medieval Europe
Papal Power and the Medieval Church-State Relationship
The Black Death and Its Political Impact
The Norman Conquest of England: William the Conqueror and Its Aftermath
The Golden Age of Charlemagne: The Carolingian Empire and Its Legacy

Cultural History

Chivalry and Knighthood: Codes of Conduct and Idealized Behavior
The Role of Women in Medieval Society: From Noble Ladies to Peasant Women
Medieval Art and Architecture: Cathedrals, Illuminated Manuscripts, and Iconography
Courtly Love: Romance and Relationships in Medieval Literature
Education and Intellectual Life in Medieval Monasteries
Folklore and Legends: Robin Hood, King Arthur, and the Arthurian Legends
Music and Dance in Medieval Society: Troubadours and Minstrels
Medieval Festivals and Celebrations: Feast Days, Carnivals, and Jousting Tournaments
The Influence of Islamic Culture on Medieval Europe
The Role of Guilds in Medieval Trade and Craftsmanship

Religious History

The Crusades: Motivations, Impact, and Legacy
Heresy and Inquisition: Religious Dissent and Its Suppression
The Great Schism: East-West Division in the Christian Church
Pilgrimage in Medieval Europe: Meaning, Routes, and Shrines
Saints and Relics: Veneration and the Cult of the Holy
Monasticism and Monastic Orders: Benedictines, Franciscans, and Dominicans
The Mendicant Movement: Poverty, Preaching, and Social Engagement
The Medieval Inquisition: Origins, Methods, and Consequences
The Witch Hunts of the Medieval Period: Beliefs and Persecution
The Impact of the Printing Press on Religious Change in the Late Medieval Era

Military History

The Battle of Hastings: William the Conqueror’s Triumph
Knights and Armor: Technology and Tactics in Medieval Warfare
The Siege of Constantinople: The Fall of the Byzantine Empire
The Teutonic Knights and the Northern Crusades
The Reconquista: Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula
The Battle of Agincourt: Henry V’s Victory against the French
The Mongol Invasions: Genghis Khan and the Conquest of Asia
The Wars of the Roses: Noble Rivalry for the English Throne
The Spanish Inquisition: Religion and Warfare
The Battle of Tours: Charles Martel and the Defense against the Moors

Economic History

The Hanseatic League: Trade and Economic Power in Medieval Northern Europe
The Rise of Italian City-States: Florence, Venice, and Genoa
The Silk Road: Trade and Cultural Exchange between East and West
The Medieval Merchant Guilds: Economic Influence and Regulation
The Black Death and its Economic Impact on European Society
The Agricultural Revolution: Technological Advances in Medieval Farming
The Commercial Revolution: Growth of Urban Centers and Market Economy
Medieval Coinage and Currency: Monetary Systems and Economic Stability
The Role of Fairs and Trade Routes in Medieval Commerce
The Rise of Banking and Financial Institutions in Medieval Europe

Intellectual History

Scholasticism and the Rise of Medieval Universities
The Influence of Aristotle on Medieval Thought
The Works of Thomas Aquinas: Theology and Philosophy
The Development of Vernacular Literature in Medieval Europe
The Influence of Arabic and Islamic Scholarship on Western Intellectual Tradition
Mysticism and Spiritual Movements in Medieval Christianity
Humanism and the Renaissance in Medieval Italy
The Role of Medieval Monastic Libraries in Preserving Knowledge
Astrology and Alchemy: Esoteric Knowledge in Medieval Society
Medieval Science and the Pursuit of Natural Philosophy

Social History

Feudal Society: Hierarchy, Classes, and Social Mobility
Women’s Role in Medieval Society: Power, Influence, and Restrictions
Peasant Life: Agriculture, Serfdom, and Rural Communities
Medieval Crime and Punishment: Justice, Law, and Order
The Black Death: Social Disruption and Demographic Changes
Marriage and Family Life in the Middle Ages
Slavery and Servitude in Medieval Europe
Medieval Medicine: Healing Practices, Medical Knowledge, and Remedies
The Role of Medieval Guilds in Urban Life
The Impact of the Crusades on Social Structures and Cultural Exchange

Art and Architecture

Gothic Architecture: Cathedrals, Flying Buttresses, and Stained Glass
Romanesque Architecture: Churches, Monasteries, and Fortifications
Illuminated Manuscripts: Book Production and Miniature Art
Medieval Sculpture and Woodcarving: From Reliefs to Free-Standing Statues
Mosaic Art: Byzantine Influence and Iconographic Representation
The Bayeux Tapestry: A Visual Chronicle of the Norman Conquest
Metalwork and Jewelry: Craftsmanship and Decorative Arts
Medieval Painting: From Icons to Altarpieces
Castle Architecture and Military Engineering
The Art of Heraldry: Coats of Arms and Symbolism

Scientific and Technological Advances

Medieval Astronomy and Astrology: Understanding the Universe
The Development of the Compass and Its Impact on Navigation
The Invention of the Mechanical Clock and Timekeeping
Advances in Agriculture: Crop Rotation and Improved Farming Techniques
Medieval Engineering: Bridges, Aqueducts, and Cathedrals
The Use of Gunpowder in Medieval Warfare
The Printing Press: Gutenberg’s Revolutionary Invention
Medieval Alchemy: From Transmutation to Experimental Science
The Impact of Islamic Scientific Knowledge on Medieval Europe
The Evolution of Medieval Medicine: From Herbal Remedies to Surgical Techniques

Regional Studies

The Kingdom of England: Political, Social, and Cultural Transformations
The Byzantine Empire: Politics, Religion, and Artistic Legacy
The Kingdom of France: Monarchy, Conflict, and Cultural Flourishing
The Holy Roman Empire: Structure, Dissolution, and Legacy
The Iberian Peninsula: Reconquista, Kingdoms, and Cultural Exchange
The Italian City-States: Artistic Renaissance and Political Dynamics
The Kingdom of Scotland: Independence, Wars, and Cultural Identity
The Nordic Countries: Viking Age, Norse Mythology, and Scandinavian Influence
The Crusader States: Kingdoms in the Levant and Interactions with the Muslim World
The Papal States: Power, Influence, and Religious Authority

This comprehensive list of medieval history research paper topics covers various aspects of political, cultural, religious, military, economic, intellectual, social, artistic, scientific, and regional history. Students are presented with a wide range of intriguing subjects to choose from, allowing them to explore and analyze different facets of the medieval era. Whether delving into the intricacies of political power, examining the influence of chivalry and knighthood, or unraveling the mysteries of medieval art and architecture, these topics offer a wealth of opportunities for engaging and enlightening research papers.

Medieval History: Exploring the Time of Knights, Castles, and Crusades

The medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, holds a special place in history as a time of profound societal change, cultural transformation, and iconic imagery. It was an era marked by the rise and fall of empires, the flourishing of art and architecture, the clash of religions, and the advent of chivalry and knighthood. Understanding medieval history provides a fascinating glimpse into a world of castles and cathedrals, knights and peasants, and epic quests for power and glory.

One of the remarkable aspects of medieval history is the sheer diversity of topics it encompasses. From political intrigues and military campaigns to religious upheavals and economic transformations, there is a vast array of research paper topics that offer students the opportunity to delve into this captivating period. Exploring medieval history allows us to unravel the stories of kings and queens, explore the everyday lives of ordinary people, and examine the intellectual and cultural developments that shaped the course of history.

One of the key areas of interest in medieval history is political history. The medieval world was characterized by a complex web of political structures, including feudalism, monarchy, and the rise of city-states. Research papers in this area could delve into topics such as the power struggles between monarchs and nobles, the impact of the Magna Carta on the concept of constitutionalism, or the influence of the Crusades on European politics and diplomacy.

Cultural history is another fascinating aspect of the medieval period. From the awe-inspiring cathedrals of Gothic architecture to the illuminations of medieval manuscripts, the cultural achievements of this era continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. Exploring topics such as the role of women in medieval society, the development of courtly love in literature, or the influence of Islamic culture on European art provides a deeper understanding of the rich cultural tapestry of the time.

Religion played a central role in medieval society, and the interplay between different religious beliefs and institutions shaped the course of history. Research papers on religious history could explore topics such as the impact of the Crusades on Christian-Muslim relations, the rise of heretical movements and the Inquisition, or the role of monasticism in preserving knowledge and scholarship.

Military history is another prominent area of study within medieval history. The image of knights in shining armor, jousting tournaments, and epic battles captures the imagination. Research papers could focus on topics such as the strategies and tactics employed during key battles, the influence of castles and fortifications on warfare, or the impact of the Mongol invasions on European military practices.

Economic history offers insight into the economic systems and developments of the medieval period. Research papers could delve into topics such as the growth of trade and commerce, the role of guilds in regulating and advancing specific industries, or the impact of the Black Death on the economic landscape.

Intellectual history in the medieval period witnessed the rise of scholasticism, the pursuit of knowledge, and the development of universities. Research papers could explore topics such as the influence of medieval philosophy on later intellectual movements, the role of monastic libraries in preserving and disseminating knowledge, or the emergence of vernacular literature and its impact on cultural identity.

The social history of the medieval period provides a lens through which to examine the lives of ordinary people. Research papers could focus on topics such as the role of women, the lives of peasants, or the impact of epidemics such as the Black Death on society and demographics.

Art and architecture flourished during the medieval period, leaving behind magnificent cathedrals, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. Research papers in this area could explore topics such as the architectural innovations of Gothic cathedrals, the symbolism in medieval art, or the techniques and materials used in manuscript illumination.

The scientific and technological advances of the medieval period also deserve attention. Research papers could delve into topics such as the developments in astronomy and astrology, the impact of the printing press on the dissemination of knowledge, or the contributions of medieval scholars to the fields of medicine and alchemy.

Finally, regional studies provide a unique perspective on the medieval period, showcasing the distinct characteristics and events of specific regions. Research papers could focus on topics such as the Norman Conquest of England, the Byzantine Empire, or the Kingdom of Scotland.

In conclusion, the medieval period offers a captivating journey into a world of knights, castles, and crusades. The wide range of research paper topics available allows students to explore different aspects of medieval history, shedding light on the political, cultural, religious, military, economic, intellectual, social, artistic, scientific, and regional dynamics of the time. By engaging with these topics, students can develop a deeper understanding of this transformative period in human history and appreciate its lasting impact on the world we live in today.

How to Choose Medieval History Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research paper topic in medieval history can be an exciting yet challenging task. With such a vast and diverse range of subjects to explore, it’s essential to narrow down your focus and select a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals. Here are ten tips to help you choose a compelling and engaging medieval history research paper topic:

Identify Your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within medieval history. Are you drawn to a specific time period, region, or theme? Consider the aspects that intrigue you the most and use them as a starting point for your topic selection.
Conduct Preliminary Research : Begin your journey by conducting preliminary research on broad topics or themes in medieval history. Read books, scholarly articles, and reputable online resources to gain a general understanding of the subject matter and identify potential areas of further exploration.
Consult Reference Works : Consult reference works such as encyclopedias, handbooks, and historiographies dedicated to medieval history. These resources can provide valuable insights, highlight key topics, and guide you towards specialized areas within the field.
Engage with Recent Scholarship : Familiarize yourself with the latest research and scholarly debates in medieval history. Stay up-to-date with academic journals, conferences, and reputable websites to identify emerging topics and gaps in the existing scholarship that you can contribute to through your research.
Consider Chronological and Geographic Factors : The medieval period spans over a thousand years and encompasses a wide range of regions. Narrow down your focus by selecting a specific time period or geographic area that interests you. For example, you could explore the High Middle Ages in Western Europe or the Islamic Golden Age in the Middle East.
Explore Different Themes and Perspectives : Medieval history offers a rich tapestry of themes and perspectives to explore. Consider topics related to politics, religion, culture, art, society, economy, intellectual developments, or military conflicts. Think about how these themes intersect and influence each other.
Examine Primary and Secondary Sources : Before finalizing your topic, evaluate the availability of primary and secondary sources. Assess the accessibility of relevant manuscripts, chronicles, letters, legal documents, archaeological artifacts, and other primary materials that can support your research.
Consult with Your Advisor : Seek guidance from your academic advisor or professor. They can provide valuable insights, suggest potential topics based on their expertise, and help you refine your research question to ensure it aligns with the requirements of your assignment.
Consider Comparative Studies : Explore the possibility of conducting comparative studies within medieval history. By comparing different regions, cultures, or time periods, you can analyze similarities, differences, and patterns that shed light on broader historical phenomena.
Brainstorm and Refine : Take time to brainstorm ideas, create mind maps, or engage in discussions with peers and professors. Refine your topic by narrowing it down to a specific research question or thesis statement that is manageable within the scope of your research paper.

In conclusion, choosing a medieval history research paper topic requires careful consideration and exploration of your interests, available sources, and scholarly discourse. By following these ten tips, you can find a topic that ignites your passion, offers academic value, and allows you to make a unique contribution to the field of medieval history. Remember to select a topic that challenges you intellectually and aligns with the guidelines and objectives of your research paper assignment.

How to Write a Medieval History Research Paper

Writing a research paper on medieval history can be a rewarding and enlightening experience. It allows you to delve into the rich tapestry of the past, explore fascinating events and figures, and contribute to the scholarly understanding of the medieval period. To help you navigate the writing process, here are ten tips for crafting an engaging and well-researched medieval history research paper:

Understand the Assignment : Familiarize yourself with the assignment guidelines, requirements, and expectations. Clarify any questions you have with your professor to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
Develop a Clear Thesis Statement : Formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that articulates the main argument or research question of your paper. Your thesis will provide a guiding framework for your research and analysis.
Conduct In-Depth Research : Engage in thorough research to gather relevant and reliable sources. Explore primary sources such as manuscripts, chronicles, letters, and secondary sources such as books, articles, and scholarly journals. Evaluate the credibility and scholarly reputation of the sources you use.
Organize Your Thoughts : Create an outline or a structured plan that outlines the main sections and subtopics of your research paper. This will help you maintain a logical flow of ideas and ensure that your arguments are well-organized.
Analyze and Interpret Sources : When analyzing primary and secondary sources, critically evaluate their content, context, and bias. Look for patterns, themes, and arguments that emerge from your research and use them to support your thesis statement.
Provide Historical Context : Situate your research within its historical context by providing background information on the time period, events, and individuals you are studying. Help your readers understand the significance of your topic in relation to the broader historical narrative.
Incorporate Multiple Perspectives : Explore diverse perspectives and interpretations of the medieval period. Engage with different schools of thought, scholarly debates, and varying viewpoints to present a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of your topic.
Use Proper Citation and Referencing : Ensure that you properly cite and reference all sources used in your research paper. Follow the citation style guidelines specified by your professor, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or another format.
Craft Engaging and Coherent Writing : Write clearly and concisely, using academic language appropriate for your discipline. Develop well-structured paragraphs that flow logically from one idea to the next. Use transitions to connect different sections of your paper.
Revise and Edit : Set aside time for thorough revision and editing of your research paper. Review your work for clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported and that your paper adheres to the required formatting guidelines.

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Feb 15, 2021

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompts

Updated: Jun 28, 2021

Looking for medieval fantasy writing prompts? Look no further! Here be dragons, maidens, kings, knights, and daring sword play. Don your armor and quill, and let's proceed!

What is medieval fantasy?

Medieval fantasy is a well-known subgenre with stories set in the Middle Ages, between the 5th and late 15th century. Common elements include monarchies, the feudal system, dragons, a lack of modern technology, etc.

A few medieval fantasy stories you might be familiar with include: A Game of Thrones , The Mists of Avalon , and The Princess Bride . You might have noticed medieval fantasy has some serious overlap with the Arthurian and high fantasy subgenres.

Getting Started

Writing prompts are a great way to generate story ideas. Simply set a timer for fifteen minutes and get started! You can use them as a part of a daily writing routine or to help you when you get stuck.

So, what ideas do these medieval fantasy story prompts spark? Share your ideas and short fiction in the comments below.

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompt #1

Preparing for battle.

It was said that the knight's armor had been forged of an impenetrable metal and cursed by the whispers of his slain foes. None dared approach him, and the towns fell one by one.

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompt #2

Medieval Plot Ideas - Young Woman Knight of Horseback

A farmhand's daughter defies all societal norms to pursue the man who killed her brother. She rides out at first light, following just a half day behind the king's knights. When she happens upon a rider who has fallen behind, she quickly dons her helmet to hide her identity.

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompt #3

The long forgotten ruins of L'Ethoroxi were rumored to have a fountain of such pure water that it was said the heavens themselves had bestowed them as a gift. The king hoped it was so. For someone very important was ill.

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompt #4

The lady in the lake.

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompts - Woman by Lake Arthurian

She waited in her long white gown in stillness. It had been over a century since she and her love parted. His dying words were that they would meet again by the lakeside. She returned faithfully every year.

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompt #5

Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompts - Sword

"This sword is to be yours, son."

The boy reached out an eager hand

His father smiled. "Once you earn it."

Looking for more fantasy story ideas?

If you enjoyed these medieval story prompts, try 365 Awesome Story Prompts ! You'll find 50+ more fantasy prompts, setting and character inspiration lists, and tips for getting unstuck. If you prefer a print version with space to jot ideas and flash fiction, try 365 Awesome Story Prompts: Journal Edition .

Join my newsletter and get monthly writing inspiration, quotes, and writing prompts delivered to straight to your inbox. You'll also get to choose a free welcome gift, including 42 Awesome Story Prompts or Subscribe: Grow Your Author Newsletter from 0 to 3,000!

Visual Writing Prompts
Fantasy Writing Prompts

Medieval Studies

Background Information

Databases-- Articles and Books

Bibliographies, theses and dissertations.

Primary Sources
Astrik L. Gabriel History of Universities Collection
Biblioteca Ambrosiana Collection
Byzantine and Classics Reference Collection
Medieval Institute General Collection
Medieval Institute Paleography Collection
Medieval Institute Reference Collection
Near Eastern Reference Collection
Citing Sources

Medieval Studies Librarian

Hesburgh Library 715B Hesburgh Library University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556

(574) 631-5724 [email protected]

Databases are multidisciplinary collections of scholarly resources. Most databases gather links to and citations for scholarly articles, although some contain full-text access to articles, books, or both types of scholarly communication.

JSTOR This link opens in a new window JStor includes the back archive of more than 2,000 journals, plus hundreds of e-books.With their "Advanced Search" function, you can perform full-text searches of these items by discipline (history, art, music, literature, etc.), by date range, or item type.
Web of Science This link opens in a new window Web of Science includes the Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI), also known as Arts & Humanities Search, is a citation index, with abstracting and indexing for more than 1,700 arts and humanities journals, and coverage of disciplines that includes social and natural science journals.
Google Scholar This link opens in a new window Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. From one place, you can search across many disciplines and sources: articles, theses, books, abstracts and court opinions, from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, universities and other web sites. Further, accessing Google Scholar through the library website gives you access to more information than directly accessing Google Scholar via your web browser.
MLA international bibliography (EBSCO platform) This link opens in a new window Indexes critical materials on literature, languages, linguistics, and folklore. Proved access to citations from worldwide publications, including periodicals, books, essay collections, working papers, proceedings, dissertations and bibliographies.
Mirabile: Digital archives for Medieval Latin culture This link opens in a new window An online content aggregator of Medieval resources. Contains Medioevo latino : a bibliographical bulletin of European culture from Boethius to Erasmus, VI to XV centuries (MEL) ; Bibliotheca scriptorum latinorum medii recentiorisque aevi (BISLAM) ; and Compendium auctorum latinorum medii aevi (500-1500) (CALMA). Includes full-text content from several related online journals.

These resources will help you find e-books and print held by Notre Dame, other local libraries, or books held at other libraries worldwide. If you can't find a book at Notre Dame or its partner libraries in the ND Catalog, try searching the catalogs of 9000 OCLC partner institutions through Worldcat. The Hathi Trust is another sizeable consortial collection of digitized books.

Hesburgh Libraries Online Catalog (ND Catalog) ND Catalog lets you search the holdings of the Hesburgh Libraries, Kresge Law, and Holy Cross libraries' catalogs separately or together. It includes content from the University Archives, the Center for Research Libraries, and working papers from the Institute for Latino Studies.
WorldCat This link opens in a new window A worldwide union catalog created and maintained collectively by more than 9,000 OCLC member institutions. With millions of online records built from the bibliographic and ownership information of contributing libraries, it is the largest and most comprehensive database of its kind.
HathiTrust Digital Library This link opens in a new window A digital repository for the nation's great research libraries that brings together the immense collections of its partner institutions. It was initially conceived as a collaboration of the thirteen universities of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, the University of California system, and the University of Virginia to establish a repository for those universities to archive and share their digitized collections, and quickly expanded to include additional partners with fast growing treasure of digitized collections.

Bibliographies gather together various resources focused around specific subjects, sub-topics, fields, etc. They are an important and efficient way to begin a review of scholarly literature.

International Medieval Bibliography This link opens in a new window Indexes articles, notes, and similar literature on medieval subjects in journals, Festschriften, conference proceedings, and collected essays. Covers all aspects of medieval studies within the date range of 400 to 1500 for the entire continent of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa for the period before the Muslim conquest and parts of those areas subsequently controlled by Christian powers. Access info: Click on "Enter databases", then select International Medieval Bibliography.
Bibliographie de Civilisation Médiévale This link opens in a new window A comprehensive, current bibliography of monographs worldwide relating to the medieval period of the Western, Byzantine and Islamic world. Covers history, language and literature, philosophy and theology, art history, archaeology, and more. Access info: Click on "Enter databases", then select Bibliographie de civilisation médiévale
International bibliography of humanism and the Renaissance This link opens in a new window An international reference bibliography of academic publications on the Renaissance and the early modern period. Indexed sources range from monographs, critical editions, translations, anthologies, miscellanies and exhibition catalogues to specialised dictionaries and encyclopaedias, handbooks, journal articles and reviews.
Mirabile: Digital archives for Medieval Latin culture This link opens in a new window Medioevo Latino provides citations (many include abstracts) of research publications in medieval studies, compiled since 1980. The Mirabile database includes an electronic version of Medioevo Latino up to the previous year. The printed volume for the current year is available in the Medieval Institute's reading room 715E at call number CB 351 .M384.
Oxford bibliographies online. Medieval studies This link opens in a new window Offers peer-reviewed annotated bibliographies on European and Mediterranean civilization from the 4th to the 15th centuries. Bibliographies are browseable by subject area and keyword searchable. Contains a "My OBO" function that allows users to create personalized bibliographies of individual citations from different bibliographies.
ARC Humanities Press Charles D. Wright Medieval Bibliographies Charles D. Wright created these bibliographies that cover most aspects of medieval life and culture and also includes a component on the Global Middle Ages. The bibliographies are hosted by ARC Humanities press, and, while some of the links are broken and the interface has not been completed, the entries that are there and functional provide lists of crucial resources with informative annotations.

These resources will help you find unpublished theses and dissertations, which present an author's research and findings as part of their degree candidacy or professional qualification.

ProQuest Digital Dissertations This link opens in a new window Provides information about doctoral dissertations and master's theses, with subject, title, and author access to almost all American dissertations accepted at an accredited institution since 1861. Offers full text for most dissertations (Notre Dame and other) added since 1997. Access info: Access to full text (PDF) of Notre Dame dissertations since 1997, restricted to users with valid Notre Dame NetIDs.
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Medieval Institute Publications

Studies in medieval and early modern culture.

Stained Glass Panel with Aconite Leaves, c. 1275-1300, Cleveland, The Cleveland Museum of Art, gift of Ella Brummer in memory of her husband, Ernest Brummer, 1977.89. Public domain.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (essay collections) and Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (monographs) are sister series originally inspired by themes drawn from the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies at Kalamazoo. These series provide a home for high‐quality humanities research on topics from the late antique, medieval and early modern periods. Beginning in 2018, all books listed in RMEMC are also part of SMEMC.

Although Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture and Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture have historically focused on medieval Europe, we have expanded geographically and chronologically to embrace a wider conception of the premodern. We welcome studies addressing a range of topics from the late antique, medieval and early modern periods, and we invite proposals from new and established scholars who employ innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to investigate literary, historical and material sources and explore what it has meant to be human through the ages.

Geographical Scope : G lobal

Chronological Scope : Late antique, medieval, and early modern

Submissions

Proposals or completed projects to be considered for publication should be sent to Tyler Cloherty or (particularly for historical studies) Emily Winkler, the acquisitions editors for the series. For other inquiries, please consult Theresa Whitaker . Since the scope of the series is so broad, the press identifies evaluators on a case by case basis before any formal commitment is made to the author. Further, all submitted manuscripts are subject to peer review from an independent expert chosen by the press.

All Books in this Series

Spiritual and material boundaries in old french verse: contemplating the walls of the earthly paradise.

By Jacob Abell

The Earthly Paradise was a vibrant symbol at the heart of medieval Christian geographies of the cosmos. As humanity’s primal home now lost through the sins of Adam of Eve, the Earthly Paradise figured prominently in Old French tales of lands beyond the mundane world. This study proposes a fresh look at the complex roles played by the Earthly Paradise in three medieval French poems: Marie de France’s The Purgatory of St. Patrick, Benedeit’s Voyage of Saint Brendan the Abbot, and Guillaume de Lorris’s The Romance of the Rose. By examining the literary, cultural, and artistic components that informed each poem, this book advances the thesis that the exterior walls of the Earthly Paradise served evolving purposes as contemplative objects that implicitly engaged complex notions of economic solidarity and idealized community. These visions of the Earthly Paradise stand to provide a striking contribution to a historically informed response to the contemporary legacies of colonialism and the international refugee crisis.

Buy Spiritual and Material Boundaries in Old French Verse at De Gruyter

Canon Fanfiction: Reading, Writing, and Teaching with Adaptations of Premodern and Early Modern Literature

By Christine Schott

Several scholarly fields investigate the reuse of source texts, most relevantly adaptation studies and fanfiction studies. The limitation of these two fields is that adaptation studies focuses narrowly on retelling, usually in the form of film adaptations, but is not as well equipped to treat other uses of source material like prequels, sequels and spinoffs. On the other hand, fanfiction studies has the broad reach adaptation studies lacks but is generally interested in "underground" production rather than material that goes through the official publication process and thus enters the literary canon. This book sits in the gap between these fields, discussing published novels and their contribution to the scholarly engagement with their pre- and early modern source material as well as applying that creative framework to the teaching of literature in the college classroom.

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The Bond of Empathy in Medieval and Early Modern Literature

By David Strong

This study examines the various means of becoming empathetic and using this knowledge to explain the epistemic import of the characters’ interaction in the works written by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and their contemporaries. By attuning oneself to another’s expressive phenomena, the empathizer acquires an inter- and intrapersonal knowledge that exposes the limitations of hyperbole, custom, or unbridled passion to explain the profundity of their bond. Understanding the substantive meaning of the characters’ discourse and narrative context discloses their motivations and how they view themselves. Strong explores the place of empathy in select late medieval and early modern portrayals of the body and mind and explicates the role they play in forging an intimate rapport.

Buy The Bond of Empathy in Medieval and Early Modern Literature at De Gruyter

Living on the Edge: Transgression, Exclusion, and Persecution in the Middle Ages

Edited by Delfi I. Nieto-Isabel and Laura Miquel Milian

This volume addresses the widespread medieval phenomenon of transgression as both a result of and the cause for the exclusion and persecution of those who were considered different. It is widely accepted that the essence of a manuscript cannot be fully grasped without studying its marginalia. Glosses sit on the margins of the text and clarify it, adding a whole new dimension to it and becoming an inextricable part of its content. Similarly, no society can be fully understood without knowledge of what lies on its margins, for the outliers of any given culture provide us with just as much information as its alleged foundational principles. In a time when the Western world ponders building walls up against perceived threats and frightening differences, this multidisciplinary collection of essays based on original and innovative pieces of research shows that it was mostly through tearing down walls that we learned our way forward.

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Mapping Narrations, Narrating Maps: Concepts of the World in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period

By Ingrid Baumgärtner and edited by Daniel Gneckow, Anna Hollenbach and Phillip Landgrebe

This volume offers Ingrid Baumgärtner's central articles on the medieval and early modern history of cartography for the first time in English translation. A first group of essays gives an overview of medieval cartography and illustrates the methods of cartographers. Another analyzes world maps and travel accounts in relation to mapped spaces. A third examines land surveying, cartographical practices of exploration and the production of Portolan atlases.

Buy or download Mapping Narrations, Narrating Maps at De Gruyter

Humanism, Capitalism, and Rhetoric in Early Modern England: The Separation of the Citizen from the Self

By Lynette Hunter

This book offers an interdisciplinary approach to concepts of the self associated with the development of humanism in England, and to strategies for both inclusion and exclusion in structuring the early modern nation state. It addresses writings about rhetoric and behavior from 1495-1660, beginning with Erasmus’ work on sermon or the conversational rhetoric between friends, and following the transference of this stance to a politics whose broadening democratic constituency needed a legitimate structure for governance-at-a-distance.

Buy Humanism, Capitalism, and Rhetoric in Early Modern England at De Gruyter

The Eleventh and Twelfth Books of Giovanni Villani's New Chronicle

Translated from the Italian by Rala I. Diakité and Matthew T. Sneider

Giovanni Villani’s New Chronicle traces the history of Europe, Italy, and Florence over a vast sweep of time – from the Tower of Babel to the great earthquake of 1348. In the eleventh and twelfth books, Villani depicts a particularly eventful period in the history of Florence, whose grandeur is illustrated in several famous chapters describing the city’s income, expenses, and magnificence. The dramatic account follows Florence’s internal affairs as well as its conflicts with powerful lords like Castruccio Castracani and Mastino della Scala. The chronicler’s perspective, however, ranges beyond his city, as he documents such events as the imperial coronation of Louis of Bavaria, the penitential pilgrimage of Venturino da Bergamo, and the first campaigns of the Hundred Year’s War.

Buy The Eleventh and Twelfth Books of Giovanni Villani's New Chronicle at De Gruyter

Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Readings of the Medieval Orient: Other Encounters

By Liliana Sikorska

Travel narratives and historical works shaped the perception of Muslims and the East in the Victorian and post-Victorian periods. The book discusses that troubled legacy drawing on the discourses on Muslims originating in the European Middle Ages, and locates the nineteenth-century texts concerning the Saracens and their lands in the liminal space between history and travel accounts.

Buy Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Readings of the Medieval Orient at De Gruyter

Space, Image, and Reform in Early Modern Art: The Influence of Marcia Hall

Edited by Arthur J. DiFuria and Ian Verstegen

The essays in the volume build on Marcia Hall's seminal contributions in several categories crucial for Renaissance studies, especially the spatiality of the church interior, the altarpiece's facture and affectivity, the notion of artistic style, and the controversy over images in the era of Counter Reform. The book works cumulatively to provide blocks of theoretical and empirical research on issues spanning the function and role of images in their contexts over two centuries.

Buy Space, Image, and Reform in Early Modern Art at De Gruyter

Dante's Dream: A Jungian Psychoanalytical Approach

By Gwenyth E. Hood

An artist or mystic can refresh and revive a culture’s imagination by exploring his personal dream-images and connecting them to the past. Dante Alighieri presents his Divine Comedy as a dream-vision, investing considerable energy in establishing and alluding to its dates (starting Good Friday, 1300). Modern readers will therefore welcome a Jungian psychoanalytical approach, which can trace both instinctual and spiritual impulses in the human psyche.

Buy Dante's Dream at De Gruyter

The World Chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis: A Manuscript's Journey from Saint-Denis to St. Pancras

By Daniel Williman and Karen Corsano

The core of this book is the life story of a manuscript codex, British Library Royal MS 13 E.iv: the Latin Chronicle (from the Creation to 1300) of Guillaume de Nangis, copied in a Paris atelier from the original in the abbey of St-Denis-en-France. The authors show how it traveled from one capital to the other, narrating the entire life and interesting times of this codex.

Buy The World Chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis at De Gruyter

Chaucer's Polyphony: The Modern in Medieval Poetry

By Jonathan Fruoco

Geoffrey Chaucer has long been considered by the critics as the father of English poetry. However, this notion not only tends to forget a huge part of the history of early medieval English literature but also to ignore the specificities of Chaucer’s style — if Chaucer cannot be thought of as the father of English poetry, he is, however, the father of English prose and one of the main artisans of what Mikhail Bakhtin called the polyphonic novel.

Buy Chaucer's Polyphony at De Gruyter

Cover image of The Shadow of Dante in French Renaissance Lyric: Sceve's "Delie": an early Renaissance image of a young women in a pink gown and with a sheer veil pinned to blonde hair, with the title in white above on a maroon background.

The Shadow of Dante in French Renaissance Lyric: Scève's Délie

By Alison Baird Lovell

Scholars generally consider the sequence of dense, epigrammatic dizains that comprise Maurice Scève's lyric sequence Délie to be an early example of French Renaissance imitation of Petrarch's lyric poetry. While Petrarch's Canzoniere is an important source for Scève's Délie, both works are part of a long poetic lineage that includes Occitan troubadours. The book argues that the 'Petrarchan' label is problematic for Scève's Délie, and reveals Dante Alighieri as a relevant predecessor and source.

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Cover image of Sacred Journeys in the Counter-Reformation: Long-Distance Pilgrimage in Northwest Europe: the face of a stone statue, with the title in white on a dark red background

Sacred Journeys in the Counter-Reformation: Long Distance Pilgrimage in North-Western Europe

By Elizabeth Caroline Tingle

This book examines long-distance pilgrimages to ancient, international shrines in northwestern Europe in the two centuries after Luther. The central focus is that of agency in religious change: what drove spiritual reform and what were its consequences for the 'ordinary' Catholic? This is explored through concepts of the religious self, holy materiality, and sacred space.

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Hysteria, Perversion, and Paranoia in the Canterbury Tales: "Wild" Analysis and the Symptomatic Storyteller

By Becky Renee McLaughlin

Beginning with the spectacle of hysteria, moving through the perversions of fetishism, masochism, and sadism, and ending with paranoia and psychosis, this book explores the ways that conflicts with the Oedipal law erupt on the body and in language in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

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The Horse in Premodern European Culture

Edited by Anastasija Ropa and Timothy Dawson

This volume features approaches to equine studies from disciplines as diverse as archaeology, legal, economic and military history, urban and rural history, art and literature. This volume explores the ubiquitous – and often ambiguous – role of the horse in medieval culture, where it was simultaneously a treasured animal and a means of transport, a military machine and a loyal companion.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LXX

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Cover of Inscribing Knowledge in the Medieval Book: a manuscript image of a man shooting an arrow at a bird perched on an a foliate border.

Inscribing Knowledge in the Medieval Book: Power and the Paratext

Edited by Rosalind Brown-Grant, Patrizia Carmassi, Gisela Drossbach, Anne D. Hedeman, Victoria Turner, Iolanda Ventura

This volume examines power and the paratext in medieval books from intellectual disciplines such as history of the book, law, science, music, medicine, literature, art, and philosophy.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LXVI

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Polemic and Literature Surrounding French Wars of Religion

Edited by Katherine Maynard and Jeff Kendrick

Engaging the continuous casting and recasting of opposing worldviews, this collection of essays examines literature's use of polemic and polemic's use of literature as seminal intellectual developments stemming from the religious and social turmoil that characterized sixteenth-century France. Contributions explore both literary texts (prose, poetry, and theater) and more intentionally polemical texts that fall outside of the traditional literary genres.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LXV

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Architectural Rhetoric in Shakespeare and Spenser

Jennifer Vaught

This book illustrates how architectural rhetoric in Shakespeare and Spenser provides a bridge between the human body and mind and the nonhuman world of stone and timber.

Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture XXIV

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Blind Spots of Knowledge in Shakespeare and His World: A Conversation

Edited by Subha Mukherji

A "blind spot" suggests an obstructed view, a partisan perception, or a localized lack of understanding. Just as the brain "reads" the "blind spot" of the visual field by a curious process of readjustment, Shakespearean drama disorients us with moments of unmastered and unmasterable knowledge, recasting the way we see, know, and think about knowing. Focusing on such moments of apparent obscurity, this volume puts methods and motives of knowing under the spotlight.

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The Shapes of Early English Poetry: Style, Form, History

Edited by Eric Weiskott and Irina Dumitrescu

This volume contributes to the study of early English poetics. In these essays, several related approaches and fields of study radiate outward from poetics, including stylistics, literary history, word studies, gender studies, metrics, and textual criticism. By combining and redirecting these traditional scholarly methods, as well as exploring newer ones such as object-oriented ontology and sound studies, these essays demonstrate how poetry responds to its intellectual, literary, and material contexts.

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Inventing Modernity in Medieval European Thought, ca. 1100–ca. 1550

Edited by Bettina Koch and Cary J. Nederman

This volume adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to narrate one of the most challenging problems in the history of Western ideas: the complex story of the emergence of Modernity out of the preceding period of the Latin Middle Ages.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LXIII

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Early Modern Britain's Relationship to Its Past: The Historiographical Fortunes of the Legends of Brute, Albina, and Scota

Philip Mark Robinson-Self

This volume considers the reception in the early modern period of four popular medieval myths of nationhood—the legends of Brutus, Albina, and Scota—tracing their intertwined literary and historiographical afterlives.

Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture XXIII

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The Valiant Welshman, the Scottish James, and the Formation of Great Britain

By Megan S. Lloyd

This book explores how R.A.'s play "The Valiant Welshman" reflected contemporary hopes and fears about the potential unification of England and Scotland during the reign of James VI of Scotland and I of England.

Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture XXII

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Memorializing the Middle Classes in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Edited by Anne Leader

This volume investigates commemorative practices in Cyprus, England, Flanders, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain between the twelfth and seventeenth centuries. Offering a broad overview of memorialization practices across Europe and the Mediterranean, individual chapters examine local customs through particular case studies.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LX

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Emotion and the Seduction of the Senses, Baroque to Neo-Baroque

Edited by Lisa Beaven and Angela Ndalianis

This book examines the relationship between the cultural productions of the baroque in the seventeenth century and the neo-baroque in our contemporary world. The volume illuminates how, rather than providing rationally ordered visual realms, both the baroque and the neo-baroque construct complex performative spaces whose spectacle seeks to embrace, immerse, and seduce the senses and solicit the emotions of the beholder.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LIX

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The Impact of Latin Culture on Medieval and Early Modern Scottish Writing

Edited by Alessandra Petrina and Ian Johnson

This book investigates and re-evaluates the impact of Latin culture in crucial areas of late medieval and early modern Scottish literature and the role it played in the development of Scottish writing.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LVIII

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The Gawain-Poet and the Fourteenth-Century English Anticlerical Tradition

Ethan Campbell

A fresh contextual reading of the four Middle English "Gawain" poems that situates them within the rich tradition of fourteenth-century English anticlericalism.

Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture XXI

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Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra, and the Nature of Fame

Robert A. Logan

A characterological study of the standards of measure and the nature of fame of the renowned figures in "Antony and Cleopatra," juxtaposed to the origins and nature of Shakespeare's fame.

Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture XX

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Spenser's Narrative Figuration of Women in "The Faerie Queene"

Judith H. Anderson

This study interrogates the figuration of women within the narrative of Spenser's culturally encyclopedic romance-epic, "The Faerie Queene."

Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture XIX

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The cover image of Saints and Sainthood around the Baltic Sea: an early medieval image of two saints

Saints and Sainthood around the Baltic Sea: Identity, Literacy, and Communication in the Middle Ages

Edited by Carsten Selch Jensen, Tracey Sands, Nils Holger Petersen, Kurt Villads Jensen, Tuomas M. S. Lehtonen

This volume addresses the history of saints and sainthood in the Middle Ages in the Baltic Region with a special focus on the cult of saints in Russia, Prussia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, and Latvia.

Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture LIV

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Cover image of Authority of Images/Images of Authority: a medieval manuscript page with a large initial R

Authority of Images / Images of Authority: Shaping Political and Cultural Identities in the Pre-Modern World

Edited by Karen L. Fresco

Focusing on language's political power, these essays discuss how representation, through language norms, plays and spectacles, manipulations and adaptations of texts and images, both constitutes and reflects a cultural milieu.

Studies in Medieval Culture LIII

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Cover image of Renaissance Retrospections

Renaissance Retrospections: Tudor Views of the Middle Ages

Edited by Sarah A. Kelen

From Shakespeare’s manipulation of his medieval source material to Protestant responses to medieval Catholicism, this collection of essays explores the ways that early modern English writers responded to the medieval English literary and historical record, dealing with topics such as historiographic bias, print history, intertextuality and cultural history.

Studies in Medieval Culture LII

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Malory and Christianity: Essays on Sir Thomas Malory's "Morte Darthur"

Edited by D. Thomas Hanks, Jr., and Janet Jesmok

This volume explores Malory's use of myth and magic in "Morte Darthur" to engage with a variety of themes, including the pursuit of opponents and love and the human quest for maturity and fulfillment. Malory's views on and thematic use of Christianity are also investigated.

Studies in Medieval Culture LI

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"Beowulf" at Kalamazoo: Essays on Translation and Performance

Edited by Jana K. Schulman and Paul E. Szarmach

This volume is a collection of essays designed to capitalize on the success of Seamus Heaney's prize-winning translation of "Beowulf," which bridges the gap between the ivory tower where most who study "Beowulf" reside and lay readers drawn to the poem because of Heaney's reputation, the review in the "New York Times Book Review," the Whitbread Prize for poetry and even perhaps the attractive and eye-catching cover.

Studies in Medieval Culture L

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Church and Society in Late Byzantium

Edited by Dimiter G. Angelov

The essays in this collection seek to shed light on various aspects of the church's role in late Byzantine society, especially on the relationship between the church and the lay world and the response of individuals to the challenges faced by Orthodoxy.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLIX

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The English "Loathly Lady" Tales: Boundaries, Traditions, Motifs

Edited by S. Elizabeth Passmore and Susan Carter

This volume concentrates on the medieval English Loathly Lady tales, written a little later than the Irish tales, and developing the motif as a vehicle for social ideology.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLVIII

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Cover image of On John Gower: Essays at the Millenium

On John Gower: Essays at the Millennium

Edited by R.F. Yeager

The topics addressed in these ten essays also provide grounds of another kind to assess the foci of contemporary Gower studies. As well as place, the political element in Gower's writings has been subject to fruitful recent scrutiny; and again, there are important linkages and overlaps among these essays on such matter too.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLVI

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The Hands of the Tongue: Essays on Deviant Speech

Edited by Edwin D. Craun

Together the essays present a clear picture of what we know about deviant speech in medieval culture, a picture that has begun to achieve the depth and richness of scholarship on slander in the early modern period, exploring what speech acts can tell us about gender, crime and punishment, agency, ethics and literary craftsmanship.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLVII

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New Directions in Boethian Studies

Edited by Noel Harold Kaylor, Jr., and Philip Edward Phillips

As a scholar, senator and consul, whose life was centered in Rome and later in Ravenna, Boethius belonged to two worlds—the world of pagan antiquity and the world of the Christian Middle Ages—and his life and work embody and embrace the spirit of both.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLV

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Studies on the Personal Name in Later Medieval England and Wales

Edited by Dave Postles and Joel T. Rosenthal

This volume contains collected papers on medieval England’s "names and naming patterns—mostly forenames or Christian names, but with some attention to family names."

Studies in Medieval Culture XLIV

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Personal Names Studies of Medieval Europe: Social Identity and Familial Structures

Edited by George T. Beech, Monique Bourin and Pascal Chareille

This collection of essays is the first published in North America that seeks to describe the methodology and some results of a scholarly enterprise that is hailed in the preface to the volume as "one of the most vibrant, innovative, and productive movements in medieval scholarship at the present time."

Studies in Medieval Culture XLIII

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Marvels, Monsters, and Miracles: Studies in the Medieval and Early Modern Imaginations

Edited by Timothy S. Jones and David A. Sprunger

This collection of essays examines the perceptions of the marvelous and monstrous by the people of medieval and early modern Europe.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLII

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Closure in "The Canterbury Tales": The Role of The Parson's Tale

Edited by David Raybin and Linda Tarte Holley

This collection of nine essays, plus an extensive bibliography, seeks to reexamine The Parson's Tale and its place in "The Canterbury Tales," especially since so many readers and critics who love Chaucer have found it difficult to love the Parson and what he has to say.

Studies in Medieval Culture XLI

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Women, Marriage, and Family in Medieval Christendom: Essays in Memory of Michael M. Sheehan, C.S.B.

Edited by Constance M. Rousseau and Joel T. Rosenthal

These essays consider three thematic categories that were dominant in most of Sheehan’s own scholarly work. These are the role, position and contributions of medieval women; the development of Christian marriage, especially in the High Middle Ages; and the secular family with its legal and emotional relationships.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXVII

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Cover image of The Preservation and Transmission of Anglo-Saxon Culture: Selected Papers from the 1991 Meeting of the International Society of Anglo-Saxonists

The Preservation and Transmission of Anglo-Saxon Culture: Selected Papers from the 1991 Meeting of the International Society of Anglo-Saxonists

Edited by Paul E. Szarmach and Joel T. Rosenthal

This collection represents most of the papers delivered on the conference theme of the Fifth Meeting (1991) of the International Society of Anglo-Saxonists, which was the first ISAS meeting in the United States.

Studies in Medieval Culture XL

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The Intellectual Climate of the Early University: Essays in Honor of Otto Gründler

Edited by Nancy Van Deusen

A university exists to make known what can only be revealed by consistent, dedicated effort. Ultimately, a university exists in order to understand the things that are hidden from ordinary, casual view. This is a message that is subtly reinforced by all of the articles in this volume.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXIX

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Translation Theory and Practice in the Middle Ages

Edited by Jeanette Beer

This volume is a collection of essays derived from a symposium conducted as part of the Twenty-Eighth International Congress on Medieval Studies (Kalamazoo, May 6-9,1993).

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXVIII

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Cover image of The Salt of Common Life: Individuality and Choice in the Medieval Town, Countryside, and Church: Essays Presented to J. Ambrose Raftis

The Salt of Common Life: Individuality and Choice in the Medieval Town, Countryside, and Church: Essays Presented to J. Ambrose Raftis

Edited by Edwin Brezette DeWindt

Throughout the career of Ambrose Raftis two themes or convictions have been in evidence: a belief in the fundamental individuality of medieval English men and women and a belief in their ability to make choices.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXVI

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Translation and the Transmission of Culture between 1300 and 1600

Edited by Jeanette Beer and Kenneth Lloyd-Jones

"Translation and the Transmission of Culture between 1300 and 1600" is a companion volume to "Medieval Translators and Their Craft" (Medieval Institute Publications, 1989) and, like "Medieval Translators," its aim is to provide the modern reader with a deeper understanding of the early centuries of translation in France.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXV

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The "Other Tuscany": Essays in the History of Lucca, Pisa, and Siena during the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Centuries

Edited by Thomas W. Blomquist and Maureen F. Mazzaoui

The papers in this volume are designed to offer non-Italian scholars a representative sample of current European research and a summary of recent debates regarding the historical evolution of those republics that posed the most formidable obstacles to the extension of Florentine hegemony.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXIV

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The Centre and Its Compass: Studies in Medieval Literature in Honor of Professor John Leyerle

Edited by Robert A. Taylor, James F. Burke, Patricia J. Eberle, Ian Lancashire and Brian S. Merrilees

All medievalists in North America, and many beyond, owe a great debt to John Leyerle. As teacher, scholar and administrator, John has been a leader in the rise and renewal of medieval studies on this continent in the past thirty years.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXIII

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Heroic Poetry in the Anglo-Saxon Period: Studies in Honor of Jess B. Bessinger, Jr.

Edited by Helen Damico and John Leyerle

The essays, plus two poems and a bibliography, are gathered to honor Jess B. Bessinger, Jr., whose innovative studies of heroic poetry have instructed a generation of scholars and whose performances of Anglo-Saxon poems are legendary.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXII

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The Uses of Manuscripts in Literary Studies: Essays in Memory of Judson Boyce Allen

Edited by Charlotte C. Morse, Penelope R. Doob and Marjorie C. Woods

Judson Boyce Allen loved his work and encouraged other scholars by his enthusiasm for theirs. He had an unusually wide range of interests, from the specialized study of manuscripts through the interpretation of particular literary texts to the broadest issues of literary theory.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXXI

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Journeys toward God: Pilgrimage and Crusade

Edited by Barbara N. Sargent-Baur

The essays explore the interconnectedness of pilgrimage and crusade, and the central role of these enterprises for the history of European society and thought.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXX

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Rebels and Rivals: The Contestive Spirit in "The Canterbury Tales"

Edited by Susanna Greer Fein, David Raybin and Peter C. Braeger; Foreword by Derek Pearsall

Established scholars will enjoy the versatility and incisiveness of much of the reading in these essays, even though they may be heard muttering stifled oaths from time to time. New readers will relish the combativeness and assurance, the readiness to try out new ideas.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXIX

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Law, Custom and the Social Fabric in Medieval Europe: Essays in Honor of Bryce Lyon

Edited, with an appreciation, by Bernard S. Bachrach and David Nicholas

The breadth of articles contained in this volume reflects the breadth of Bryce Lyon’s scholarly interests. Topics include marriage rules as they relate to women and incest, Bernard of Clairvaux, Henry I and executions in late medieval Paris. This collection honors Bryce Lyon and his considerable impact on medieval studies as a whole.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXVIII

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De Ore Domini: Preacher and Word in the Middle Ages

Edited by Thomas L. Amos, Eugene A. Green and Beverly Mayne Kienzle

The studies in this volume illustrate new methods and concerns in the field of sermon studies, and, collectively, they point to a central problem in the historiography of sermons and preaching. The collection offers insights into modern approaches to studying medieval sermons and will be of interest to scholars of medieval religion, preaching, and culture.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXVII

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John Gower: Recent Readings

Edited by R. F. Yeager

Essays in this volume, unpublished elsewhere, and re-written exclusively for this collection, represent a fresh approach to the study of the works of John Gower.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXVI

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Medieval Translators and Their Craft

Contributors to this collection treat the methods and reception of translators of vernacular to Latin and vernacular to vernacular, texts of a variety of genres, and many different languages and periods. The collection will present a welcome offering of different scholarly approaches to the critical issue of medieval translators and their craft.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXV

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Romance Epic: Essays on a Medieval Literary Genre

Edited by Hans-Erich Keller

The collection of essays in "Romance Epic" expertly examines the Romance epic as a genre, delving into its ever-changing period, audience and region. The essays span across a wide range of topics, from questions about the genre itself to issues specific to certain works such as the Chanson de Roland and the El Cantar de Mio Cid.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXIV

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Religion, Culture, and Society in the Early Middle Ages: Studies in Honor of Richard E. Sullivan

Edited by Thomas F.X. Noble and John J. Contreni

Essays in this volume explore wide-ranging topics: from Constantinople, cloistered women, popes and holy images, kingship, pastoral care and pilgrimages to the works or lives of Sidonius Apollinaris, Gregory of Tours, John Damascene and Anselm of Havelberg.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXIII

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The Medieval Tradition of Natural Law

Edited by Harold J. Johnson

This anthology aims to “add flesh to the bones and the supplements, reservations, and alternatives for a deeper understanding” of the tradition of natural law throughout the medieval period. It runs contrary to the opinion so commonly held since the Renaissance, that any tradition deemed “medieval” has little or even nothing to offer to contemporary needs and interests.

Studies in Medieval Culture XXII

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Classical Rhetoric and Medieval Historiography

Edited by Ernst Breisach

This volume stands as a selection of works presented at the thirteenth International Congress on Medieval Studies. These presentations helped to “fortify the strength of interest and inquiry directed toward rhetoric’s symbiosis with historiography in centuries past” (from the introduction).

Studies in Medieval Culture XIX

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Archaeological Approaches to Medieval Europe

Edited by Kathleen Biddick

This volume celebrates the coming of age of historical archaeology, of which medieval archaeology is a subdiscipline. The volume is an indispensable offering for archaeologists and historians of the Middle Ages seeking an appraisal of the state of the young discipline of medieval archaeology.

Studies in Medieval Culture XVIII

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Vernacular Poetics in the Middle Ages

Edited by Lois Ebin

This volume deals with the attitudes and assumptions about vernacular poetry from the eleventh to the fifteenth century. The essays consider not only the formal poetics but, more importantly, the self-conscious examination of poetry which is increasingly evident in the poems themselves in this period as writers turn from Latin to the imperfect, mutable language of the vernacular.

Studies in Medieval Culture XVI

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Vox Feminae: Studies in Medieval Woman's Songs

Edited by John F. Plummer

It is the artistic use of the female voice (as role, "persona," or rhetorical stance) in particular lyrical traditions or by particular poets, that is of interest here. Woman’s songs are found in all parts and periods of medieval Europe; the study of medieval woman’s song is primarily the study of the image of a voice. This is not an attempt to completely cover the field but to offer an introduction and guide to those who are not familiar with woman’s song, and a stimulation to those who are.

Studies in Medieval Culture XV

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Medieval Institute

International Congress on Medieval Studies

Medieval History Essay Examples and Topics

Impact of the black death.

Words: 1656

The Role of the Church in the Life of the Middle Ages

The catholic church and the black death in the 14th century.

Words: 3106

The Comparison of Roman and Mongol Empires

Words: 2120

The Middle Ages: The Most Powerful Historical Figures and the Plague Pandemic

What factors contributed to the dissolution of the roman empire.

Words: 1189

Medieval World and Antiquity: The Principle Differences

Medieval synthesis and its three attempts, comparing carolingian, tang, and byzantine empires, muslim civilisation: the mechanical water clock of ibn al-haytham.

Words: 2836

Peruvian Inquisition and Its Persecution of Natives and Mestizos

Words: 1680

The Era of Genghis Khan: Positive and Negative Influence

The mongol travel pass, a symbol of the mongol administration, the republic of venice history: rise and fall.

Words: 2248

War and Crusades: The Concept of War

Words: 2767

“The Conquest of Toledo (1085)” and “The Siege of Lisbon (1147)”

Science and innovation in the middle ages, abbasid caliphate in the golden age of learning.

Words: 1603

Feudalism System of Western Europe in the Middle Ages

Words: 1428

“Magic in the Middle Ages” by Richard Kieckhefer

Words: 2202

England Reformation

Islamic world and education in golden age, golden age of islam: inventions and success in science.

Words: 1397

The Medieval Crusades History

Words: 1435

The Black Death: Socioeconomic Impact on Europe

Reimagining chivalry in medieval europe, popular images of the crusades, the postclassical era in the human history, crisis and recovery in late medieval europe, aspects of the islamic civilization, the bubonic plague symptoms and historical impacts.

Words: 1221

The Byzantine Empire and the Crusades

The history of spread of bubonic plague, the dark ages concept in western civilization, crisis of middle ages in 14-15th centuries.

Words: 1112

Christianity as a Bridge Between the Roman and Medieval Worlds

Bacon’s rebellion: a traitor or a hero, the perception of money, wealth, and power: early renaissance vs. nowadays, arab civilization. mediating religion and government, witch-hunt in europe during the middle ages.

Words: 1032

History. Romantic Love from the Medieval Period

Medieval and renaissance art religious style and propaganda, factors that contributed to the rise of dutch commercial power.

Words: 2155

Economic Factors That Led to the Fall of Rome

Words: 2227

The Role of Galileo in Scientific Revolution

Medieval europe history: western roman empire, henry ii role in the history of england through the view wilfred lewis warren.

Words: 1097

Peace of Westphalia: European Situation

Words: 1121

Crusades: Military Strategy or Religious Ideology?

New way of thinking: the scientific revolution.

Words: 1370

Anglo-Saxon Britain: The Battle of Hastings

Arguing the chivalry as a stratum, a hisrory of the tenth crusade, early middle ages. carolingian empire’s traditions.

Words: 1319

Mongol Invasions of the 13th Century

Words: 1700

Importance of the Renaissance and the Reformation for the European Society

The late middle ages in eastern europe, russia under the tsars, european expansionism: columbus, arawaks, and aztecs, ancient mayan and aztec civiliazation: 1492-1525, medieval history. abbasid period (750-1258).

Words: 1102

Middle Ages. “The Hanged Man” by Robert Bartlett

Words: 1514

Witchcraft in Early Ages: Historical Review

Words: 1384

The Quest for Arthur’s Britain

On the ruin of britain by gildas, the position of religion in 1600s, ceremonies in london: medieval culture.

Words: 1439

Columbus Day: An Incorrect Celebration

Words: 1781

Peace of Westphalia: Basis of International Relations

Words: 3636

French Civilization: Burgundian Influence

Words: 1359

The “Dark Ages” of Rome and Following Fall

The middle ages in france.

Words: 1387

France in the 18th Century

The treaty of paris in 1763 and influential figures of that period, france of the 17th century and the figure of louis xiv.

Words: 1250

France in the 17th Century

Words: 1273

Enlightenment Period in History Analysis

Words: 1067

First Voyage of Columbus and Biography of John Smith

Words: 2271

Analysis of Anderson’s “New England’s Generation”

Salem witch trials: differeenses from in europe.

Words: 1521

European Civilization During the High Middle Ages

The face of battle agincourt october 25, 1415.

Words: 1679

Pax Mongolica and Its Impact on Eurasia in the 13th Century

Discovering reformation in england.

Words: 1124

Late Middle Ages as a Stage in Social Development

Words: 1195

Turmoil in the Church During the Middle Ages

Words: 1164

Islam Empire of Faith – The Awakening Documentary

Chronicling the 14th century in england and france, middle ages: churches and book illustration, london: history of business city, christian reconquest of iberian peninsula, medieval history: from dark ages to renaissance, first crusade in western and middle eastern views.

Words: 2351

The Black Death Effect on the Medieval Europe

Black death’s effect on religion in europe.

Words: 2258

Women’s Role in Medicine in the Middle Ages

Words: 2358

Investiture Controversy: Pope Gregory VII vs. Emperor Henry IV

The crusades and the investiture contest differences, the crusades and the investiture controversy, the world of the town in medieval history, causes for emergence of europe during the middle ages, plague age, mongol empire and birth of modern world, islamic conquest of africa, india, and spain, church role in witch hunting.

Words: 2266

Scandinavian Expansion in the Viking Age

Words: 1386

“The Popes and the Crusaders” by Dana Munro

“the crusades: a timewatch guide” documentary, arab scientific contributions in islamic golden age.

Words: 1704

Medieval England in “Treatise on the New Money”

Medieval africa in al-maqrizi’s account of mansa musa, the mongol empire, its culture, trade, religion, crusaders’ impacts on the middle eastern history.

Words: 1736

Crusades in Geoarchaeology and Artifact Analysis

Crusades in “the armies of heaven” by rubenstein, witch craze in europe: gender-based interpretation.

Words: 2000

The Black Death and Michael Dols’s Theory

Words: 1108

The Aspects of the First Crusade

Words: 1502

The History of the Mongol Empire

History of western civilizations through the works of einhard in his famous book titled “the life of charlemagne”, twelfth century renaissance: how francis and his franciscan brothers both reacted and benefited from its development.

Words: 1408

47 Medieval Writing Prompts

Sharpen your swords and grab your shield—we’re traveling back in time with a list of exciting medieval writing prompts to get your imagination running and your pencil moving.

Using This Guide

Dragons are scary; these prompts are not. As long as you’re writing, you’re doing it right.

But if you need some help getting started, try one of these ideas:

Challenge yourself to use one writing prompt every day for a week.
Use your favorite number to pick a prompt.
Ask the person sitting to your left which prompt you should use.

Time to Start Writing!

Write a story about a princess who doesn’t want to be saved by her knight in shining armor.
Would you rather have a unicorn or a dragon?
King Arthur traveled through time to 2022. Write about his experience.
The town believes your neighbor is a witch because she heals the sick. You know that she is just a good herbalist. Write about how you would defend her.
Pick a medieval artist and write 3-5 paragraphs about their accomplishments.
Write a story about a child who picks a lock on an abandoned shack and is transported back to medieval times.
Imagine you are a bard on a journey to find the last unicorns. Write a poem about your adventure.
Write a poem or short story about medieval times using the following words: meadow, lights, bellow, wither
Write a story about a dragon who has hiccups.
Rewrite the plot of your favorite movie, but set in medieval times.
You are playing “Marco Polo” in the pool when a man in medieval clothing walks up and says, “Yes, that’s me.” What do you do next?
Which medieval invention do you think is most important today?
Imagine you are one of the first people to use eyeglasses. What is it like?
Who was Joan of Arc? Why was her story significant?
If a genie granted you three wishes, and you couldn’t wish for more wishes, what would you wish for?
What is your favorite movie set in the Middle Ages?
Write a story about a watchman who spots an unknown creature on the horizon.
What do you think kids did for fun in medieval times?
Which invention from the Islamic Golden Age do you think is the most important today?
Write 2-4 paragraphs about the Agricultural Revolution.
Write a story about the daily life of a child living in a city during the Dark Ages.
How did Vikings affect medieval Europe?
Write a story about a princess who befriends a stablehand.
Write a story or poem about the Middle Ages using the following words: protect, wax, feather, glass
Which fictional story from the Medieval Period is your favorite?
Write a book review for your favorite book set in the Middle Ages.
Imagine you’re a traveling merchant. Write an ad for your most unique item.
Have you ever played Dungeons and Dragons?
Which job would you choose if you were in the Middle Ages?
What is your favorite Disney movie set in the Middle Ages?
Write a story about the daily life of a child in the countryside of Medieval Europe.
Pick an Arabic medieval tale and rewrite it in a modern setting.
Write an acrostic poem using the word “JOUSTING”.
You and your friend find a magic carpet. What do you do next?
Write 3-5 paragraphs about your favorite medieval fantasy creature.
Would you rather have a potion that makes you fly or a broom that does all of your chores?
Briefly describe the three stages of the European Middle Ages.
Write a story about someone who time travels from the Medieval Period and finds a modern-day renaissance fair.
The first universities were founded during the Middle Ages. How would education be different if universities didn’t succeed?
Write a story about a peasant girl who wants to learn archery.
You are touring a castle and see a ghost in medieval clothing wandering the halls. What do you do?
Write an acrostic poem using the word “KNIGHT”.
Compare and contrast entertainment in the Middle Ages with entertainment today.
Research a famous queen from the Middle Ages. Write 3-5 paragraphs about her life.
How did the Middle Ages influence modern art and literature?
Write a poem or short story about the Middle Ages using the following words: ship, tower, shield, festival
Have you ever been to a renaissance fair?

Looking For More Writing Fun?

If you loved this list and you’d like to see what other fun ways you can challenge yourself as a writer, we’ve got you covered!

We also have resources for parents and guardians.

If you’re looking for something specific, let us know—we’d love to hear from you.

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COMMENTS

20 Great Research Paper Topics About Medieval Literature
Medieval literature is quite complicated and hard to understand at once. If you need to write a research paper about it, here are 25 fresh ideas.
Medieval Literature
Medieval Literature is defined broadly as any work written in Latin or the vernacular between c. 476-1500, including philosophy, religious treatises, legal texts, as well as works of the imagination. More narrowly, however, the term applies to literary works of poetry, drama, romance, epic prose, and histories written in the vernacular, though ...
Essays on Medieval Literature
The remaining four chapters range more widely and they discuss the importance of context, the medieval poet's presentation of himself, the 'nature ideal' in thinking about the ages of man, and the integrity of the literal level in allegories. Keywords: Chaucer, Langland, Henryson, three ages, Canterbury Tales, new criticism, poetic language ...
Medieval Era Explorations: A Scholar's Guide
To navigate this labyrinthine period with discernment and finesse, one requires a robust compass and a finely-tuned guide that elucidates the intricacies of this epoch with a seasoned touch. This meticulously curated guide intends to be your steadfast companion in this endeavor, offering a compelling array of essay topics and invaluable insights to augment your writing prowess. Steeped in rich ...
Medieval Literature Essays
Many other pieces of medieval literature draw heavily upon biblical themes or include references to scripture throughout their works, thus making it an essential part of any understanding or appreciation for this type of writing during this era.
Ideas of the World in Early Medieval English Literature
Ideas of the World in Early Medieval English Literature. The essays in this volume investigate how the Anglo-Saxons perceived the outside world, how they positioned themselves in it, and how they interacted with it. Across three thematically-linked sections, this volume charts the development of competing geographical, national, and imperial ...
Western literature
Western literature - Medieval, Epic, Romance: Medieval, "belonging to the Middle Ages," is used here to refer to the literature of Europe and the eastern Mediterranean from as early as the establishment of the Eastern Roman, or Byzantine, Empire about ad 300 for medieval Greek, from the period following upon the fall of Rome in 476 for medieval Latin, and from about the time of Charlemagne ...
Guides: Global Medieval Studies: Research Medieval Literature
Resources for research in global medieval art, history, and literature. Use this page to find sources for researching literature in the Middle Ages.
Medieval literature
Medieval literature is a broad subject, encompassing essentially all written works available in Europe and beyond during the Middle Ages (that is, the one thousand years from the fall of the Western Roman Empire ca. AD 500 to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th, 15th or 16th century, depending on country). The literature of this time was composed of religious writings as well as ...
Medieval History Research Paper Topics
In this page dedicated to medieval history research paper topics, students are presented with a wide-ranging list of captivating subjects that delve into the intricacies of the medieval era. Divided into ten categories, each containing ten unique topics, this comprehensive collection explores various aspects of political, cultural, religious, and military life during this fascinating period ...
Middle Ages Essay Topics
The Middle Ages was a time of great change in many areas of society. Use these essay topics to help students explore various aspects of the Middle Ages and their lasting impact on the world.
Women and Medieval Literary Culture
Essays span topics including book production and authorship; reception; linguistic, literary, and cultural contexts and influences; women's education and spheres of knowledge; women as writers, scribes and translators; women as patrons, readers and book owners; and women as subjects.
Medieval Fantasy Writing Prompts
Draw your sword and pen, and charge forward with these medieval fantasy writing prompts! You'll find kings, knights, dragons, and daring sword play ahead.
Library Guides: Medieval Studies: Scholarly Articles and Books
They are an important and efficient way to begin a review of scholarly literature. International Medieval Bibliography. Indexes articles, notes, and similar literature on medieval subjects in journals, Festschriften, conference proceedings, and collected essays. Covers all aspects of medieval studies within the date range of 400 to 1500 for the ...
Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture
Studies in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (essay collections) and Research in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (monographs) are sister series originally inspired by themes drawn from the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies at Kalamazoo. These series provide a home for high‐quality humanities research on topics from the late antique, medieval and early modern periods ...
Free Medieval History Essay Examples & Topic Ideas
Stuck with your medieval history paper? Check our 100% free medieval history essay, research paper examples. Find inspiration and ideas Best topics Daily updates
Medieval Literature Essay
The Greatest Literary Emblem of the Middle Ages Essay. they flourished and developed, which was the Medieval Era. The Middle Ages is the period of European history that goes from the collapse of the Roman civilization to the beginning of the Renaissance, and it extends from about 500 to 1500 ca. ("Middle Ages").
PDF Reflections on Medieval and Renaissance Thought
As such, Andersen-Wyman's essay contributes to contemporary psychology and philosophy, which rarely include medieval ideas, and to medieval studies, which often focus narrowly on medieval-era concerns.
Dante's Inferno: a Historical Tapestry Woven with Political Threads
Dante Alighieri's "Inferno" stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between literature and politics in medieval Italy. Born amidst the turbulence of 13th-century Florence, Dante was not merely a poet but a keen observer of the societal upheaval that shaped his era. It was against this backdrop of political intrigue and religious fervor that Dante embarked on his literary odyssey ...
Research Paper Topics in Medieval History
Of course, in any discipline of history, it's important to separate fact from fiction when writing a research paper. Whether you choose to focus on politics, culture, technology, or warfare, you'll need solid evidence to back up your arguments and a good essay outline to help organize your ideas. Many students choose to write their history essays on conventional topics, like the Black Death or ...
47 Medieval Writing Prompts
Sharpen your swords and grab your shield—we're traveling back in time with a list of exciting medieval writing prompts to get your imagination running and your pencil moving.
101 Medieval Story Ideas to Unleash Your Imagination
Explore 101 medieval story ideas in this blog and unleash your imagination. Embark on epic quests and adventures in bygone eras.
Medieval Philosophy Essay Topics
This lesson includes essay topics on medieval philosophy, medieval philosophers, and comparisons of their works and ideas during this time period.
Understanding Dante's Circles of Hell in "The Divine Comedy"
Essay Example: Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy" is a cornerstone of literary history, offering a vivid portrayal of the afterlife through its three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.
Origins of the Crusades: Uncovering the Catalysts Behind Medieval Holy
Essay Example: In the annals of history, few events evoke as much controversy, fascination, and debate as the Crusades. These series of religiously motivated military campaigns, spanning over two centuries, were a pivotal chapter in medieval Europe's narrative. But what prompted these fervent
Determining the End of the Medieval Period: a Complex Transition
In conclusion, determining the end of the medieval period involves examining a confluence of events and trends that collectively signify the transition from medieval to modern times.