Thinking of the Medieval: Midcentury Intellectuals and the Middle Ages

The mid-twentieth century saw a surge of new approaches to the study of the Middle Ages, influenced by intellectuals such as Hannah Arendt, Erich Auerbach, W. E. B. Du Bois, Frantz Fanon, Erwin Panofsky, Simone Weil, and others. This interdisciplinary collection explores their legacies and how they shaped modern thought, reminding us of the enduring importance of the Middle Ages in shaping our world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The mid-twentieth century witnessed a remarkable surge in innovative approaches to the study of the Middle Ages, encompassing the endeavors of both professional medievalists and individuals with backgrounds in other fields. These individuals, many of whom continue to wield significant influence in politics, art, and history today, have left an indelible mark on our contemporary world. By engaging with the diverse and transnational intellectual cohort of Hannah Arendt, Erich Auerbach, W. E. B. Du Bois, Frantz Fanon, Erwin Panofsky, Simone Weil, among others, the essays compiled in this volume shed light on these thinkers in relation to one another and on the enduring legacies they have left behind. This interdisciplinary collection provides a comprehensive and insightful understanding of how these figures made their most lasting contributions, particularly in the context of medieval culture. Thinking of the Medieval serves as a timely reminder of the profound impact that the Middle Ages has had on shaping modern thought, highlighting the significance of this historical era in our collective intellectual heritage.

Weight: 1080g
ISBN-13: 9781108478960