The University in Medieval Life, 1179-1499

by Hunt Janin

The university is indigenous to Western Europe and is probably the greatest and most enduring achievement of the Middle Ages. Much more than stodgy institutions of learning, medieval universities were exciting arenas of people and ideas. They contributed greatly to the economic vitality of their host cities and served as birthplaces for some of the era's most effective minds, laws and discoveries. This survey traces the growth of the largest medieval universities of Bologna, Paris, and Oxford, along with the universities of Cambridge, Padua, Naples, Montpellier, Toulouse, Orleans, Angers, Prague, Vienna and Glasgow. Covering the years 1179-1499, this work discusses common traits of medieval universities, their major figures, and their roles in medieval life.

Genres: History

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Andrew Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be difficult to make any book about universities attractive, particularly medieval ones. Janin makes an excellent effort to overcome academia's intrinsic boredom. He tries to weave students' lives into the book without relying too much on mundane administrative details. That was welcomed, and his inclusion of fascinating details about university disciplines worked. The two chapters on Oxford University were superb.

Unfortunately, Janin inserts blocks of foreign passages way too often. Although he does provide an English translation, the flow of the book is disturbed. So "The University in Medieval Life" becomes, at times, an exercise rather than an enjoyable read.

I learned much from this book. But was the effort worth it?

[Emily Conn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read an excerpt of this book for my history class. I chose the university of Paris. I loved the scholars viewpoints and works, and the story of Joan of Arc and the Christian theology. The university was uniquely structured and dependent on the king along with having trouble with rebellion.
Fascinating read, hopefully I’ll have time one day to read of the other universities and continue the whole book.
Thanks, Dr. Leech.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An approachable, engaging, and well researched history of the medieval university. Indeed, Jamin’s inclusion in the opening of references to Haskins and several other scholars demonstrates that this is a work that is meant to connect a reader to further opportunities to explore the topic of the medieval university if they so choose. A chronology and the appendices add to the value of this book in many contexts. Essential reading for any educational historian.

[Justin Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book by a professor after I expressed interest in learning more about the origins of the university system, and a brief look at how students studied, behaved, etc. This book provided exactly that.

The history begins by briefly constructing the backdrop of Medieval Europe that led to the creation of the church sponsored universities, progresses to a general history of the entire university system, and then looks at individual universities (Padua, Bologna, Paris, Oxbridge, etc.) and famous scholastics and humanists that populated them. The books uses these individual examples to illustrate the greater picture, which was successful in this reader's opinion.

For anyone that is interested in an easy read that outlines one of the most dominating institutions in the modern world I recommend this book.