Thinking Medieval: An Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages

by Marcus Bull

This book is aimed at students coming to the study of western European medieval history for the first time, and also graduate students on interdisciplinary medieval studies programmes. It examines the place of the Middle Ages in modern popular culture, exploring the roots of the stereotypes that appear in films, on television and in the press, and asking why they remain so persistent. The book also asks whether 'medieval' is indeed a useful category in terms of historical periodization. It investigates some of the particular challenges posed by medieval sources and the ways in which they have survived. And it concludes with an exploration of the relevance of medieval history in today's world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Academic, School, Medieval History

166 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2005

Reviews

[verbava · Rating 4 out of 5]

хороший текст – це коли пів на п'яту ранку, а ніяк не спиться, бо ж базові методологічні проблеми дослідження середньовічних рукописів. ну, знаєте, копії копій, перекази переказів, ранньомодерні підробки середньовічних підробок – і це тільки те, що з якихось причин збереглося, а були ж іще численні етапи відбору текстів, які зрештою потрапили до дослідницьких рук, і прикрі випадки, як із паризьким арсеналом чи неапольською бібліотекою.

маркус булл пише вступ до вивчення й розуміння середньовіччя: від того, що під цією вкрай умовною назвою ховається, через рецепцію в популярній культурі, розмаїту і майже щоразу однобоку, до джерел і фундаментальної мети дослідження (на «бо цікаво», на жаль, не люблять давати грошей). це дуже приємна й захоплива – бо повна прикладів, які розгортаються в повноцінні історії, – корисна книжка.

[JD Waggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this isn't really a mass-market paperback, but nor is it an over-the-top practice in being an erudite ass. Bull's examination of what we mean--and what we DON'T--when we talk about the Middle Ages is funny, fast, and incredibly well-argued. Although it can be a little depressing (as a medievalist) sometimes, it's very honest about the field and its uses and what those interested in the medieval era should be aware of when they're discussing it with those studying it, those mocking it, those thinking they know about it, and everyone else. I recommend it to everybody, actually, not just Academic Types. Bull has a great name for the topic and a great voice for his argument.

[Garden Utensil]

conversational
talks about pop culture
"Mock Medieval"

[Carlos Wang · Rating 3 out of 5]

相當入門的作品。第一章說流行文化總扭曲了中世紀的樣貌，但反過來看也未必是正確的；第二章則說明了“中世紀”本身是很難在時空中真正的定位，歷史分期是一種模糊的概念；第三章講述了文獻證偽跟資料之豐富；第四章則描述中世紀與現代的關聯性，並表示每個時代都有其特色。個人覺得只有第三章比較有看頭，其它的乾貨不多。另外，雖然這是找一群碩博士生翻譯的，但品質尚可。對於中世紀有興趣的新朋友，還是可以翻翻....

[Jack Pascale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introductory text for anyone wishing to study the Middle Ages. Read this as a history undergraduate, and served me well through to my graduate studies and now as a teacher.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Thinking Medieval' serves as a brief intellectual introduction to the field of Medieval Studies, the musings (nay, defense) of a self-critical scholar worried about the fate of his field. There's good stuff here, but its mostly on the level of a scholarly chat around the dinner table with the hip new medievalist in the department, one who understands pop culture and postmodernism along with Beowulf and the Crusades. I certainly agree with Bull's core message, with is essentially traditional and even, dare I say, conservative (Bull might shake a finger at me here -- only because he must work within the modern academy and, therefore, takes his sherry in the senior common room cheek and jowl with the fashionable iconoclasts -- but with a wink and nod of acceptance.) "There is just intellectually honest history and intellectually dishonest history," he concludes, "and all the relativism in the world cannot wish this basic distinction away." Bull, however, presents a rather curious argument in response to postmodern critiques of the relevance of history in general and medieval history more specifically: while seemly opposed to the deconstructionist disdain for 'truth' and 'events,' Bull argues for the relevance of medieval studies on the two most basic points of postmodernism, i.e. language and alterity (jargon for otherness). Essentially, he seems to say, we should study the Middle Ages they present a perfect case-study of diversity. A bit odd that, to say the least. The intellectual barbarians may indeed be at the gate, but Bull's book, while interesting enough, is no curtain wall or new legion on the frontier.

[Roxana Chirilă · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars would be more accurate of my feelings towards it.

A brief introduction to the field of Medieval Studies, taking us from what we 'know' about the Middle Ages from the media to the reality of the Medievalist's struggle, with a few good points and references in between.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's a great teaching book. It's funny, provocative, works with undergrads. I can't say enough good about it.