New Books in Critical Theory

chevron_right

Michelle P. Brown, "Bede and the Theory of Everything" (Reaktion Books, 2023)

whatshot 6 snips

Aug 23, 2025

Guest

Michelle P. Brown

Michelle P. Brown, Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies, dives into the life of Bede, a pivotal figure in early medieval scholarship. They discuss Bede's astonishing achievements, including the creation of tide tables and early Bible translations. Brown shares insights on Bede's cosmopolitan education, his influence on Western thought, and new discoveries about his work. The conversation sheds light on monasticism's contributions to English culture, emphasizing how Bede's scholarly legacy continues to resonate today.

01:14:55

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Early Lindisfarne Inspiration

Michelle P. Brown recalls being taken at age four to see the Lindisfarne Gospels and deciding to become an "explorer librarian."
The manuscript's art entranced her and set her on a lifelong path into medieval manuscript studies.

insights

INSIGHT

Local Base, Global Scholarship

Bede spent almost his entire life within 60–65 miles of his monastery yet accessed wide-ranging knowledge through its library and networks.
The twin monasteries functioned as a research campus that enabled Bede's broad intellectual reach.

insights

INSIGHT

Chronology As Historical Engine

Bede transformed annalistic notes into a unified historical narrative using a single dating system and computistical methods.
He created a universal chronology to integrate disparate dating systems and situate the English story within world history.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Bede: The Universal Scholar

02:01 • 25min

chevron_right

Refreshing Home Office Essentials and Tasty Seltzer Options

27:24 • 2min

chevron_right

Resilience and Scholarship in the Monastic World

28:59 • 5min

chevron_right

Monasticism and the Foundations of English Culture

34:18 • 14min

chevron_right

Bede's Cosmopolitan Education and Influence on Western Thought

48:22 • 3min

chevron_right

Bede and the Northumbrian Journey

51:21 • 22min

chevron_right

Exploring British History Through Illuminated Manuscripts

The Lindisfarne Gospels, an early 8th-century illuminated manuscript, is a masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon art, created on Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, in Northumbria. This stunning codex contains the four Gospels of the New Testament, meticulously adorned with intricate interlace patterns, vibrant colors, and detailed depictions of evangelists. The manuscript showcases a remarkable fusion of Celtic, Germanic, and Mediterranean artistic influences, reflecting the rich cultural exchange of its time. Its creation is attributed to Bishop Eadfrith, with later additions, including an Old English gloss by Aldred. The Lindisfarne Gospels exemplifies the pinnacle of early medieval book production and remains a symbol of the artistic and spiritual achievements of Anglo-Saxon England.

#24824

Bede and the Theory of Everything

Michelle P. Brown

Michelle P. Brown's 'Bede and the Theory of Everything' delves into the life and intellectual contributions of Bede, a prominent scholar of the early Middle Ages. The book explores Bede's diverse achievements, from calculating tide-tables to his role in creating significant religious texts like the Ceolfrith Bibles and the Lindisfarne Gospels. It also highlights his pioneering efforts in Old English poetry and his translation of portions of the Bible into English. The book further examines Bede's renowned 'Ecclesiastical History of the English People,' emphasizing his unique dating system. Brown presents new discoveries about Bede's handwriting, research methods, and his previously unknown Old English translation of St John’s Gospel, dictated during his final days.

#62796

History of the English Church and People

A Guide to Navigating the AI Revolution

Eusebius of Caesarea

Eusebius of Caesarea's 'Church History' is a foundational text that provides a comprehensive account of the Christian Church from its origins to the early 4th century. It covers the lives of the apostles, the development of Christian doctrine, and the persecutions faced by early Christians under Roman rule. The book also explores the rise of heresies and the efforts to maintain doctrinal purity. Eusebius meticulously compiles historical records, letters, and other primary sources to construct a narrative of the Church's growth and struggles. His work is crucial for understanding the formation of Christian identity and the establishment of its institutions. 'Church History' remains an essential resource for scholars studying the history of Christianity and its impact on the ancient world.

#16949

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Codex amiatinus

Jerome Saint

The Codex Amiatinus is one of the oldest surviving complete Latin Bibles. Created at the monastery of Monk Wearmouth-Jarrow in Northumbria, it is a magnificent example of early medieval book production. Its large size and beautiful calligraphy showcase the skill of the scribes. The Codex Amiatinus is significant for its textual accuracy and its artistic merit. It offers valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual life of Anglo-Saxon England. The Codex Amiatinus is now housed in the Laurentian Library in Florence, Italy.

#20913

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Illumino: A History of Medieval Britain in Twelve Illuminated Manuscripts

A History of Medieval Britain in Twelve Illuminated Manuscripts

Michelle P. Brown

This book explores medieval Britain through twelve illuminated manuscripts, each revealing unique aspects of the era. Michelle P. Brown uncovers the stories behind these artifacts, highlighting their artistic, historical, and cultural significance. The manuscripts act as portals, transporting readers to a time of vibrant creativity and profound societal change. Brown delves into the creation, use, and preservation of these treasures, showcasing the skills of the artists and scribes involved. Through detailed analysis, the book illuminates the intricate connections between the manuscripts and the world in which they were made.

#11660

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

The Book of Kells

Sir Edward Sullivan

The Book of Kells is a lavishly illustrated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, created by Celtic monks in the early 9th century. Its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and masterful calligraphy are considered masterpieces of Insular art. The book's pages are filled with complex patterns, interwoven animal motifs, and symbolic representations of Christian themes. The Book of Kells is not only a religious text but also a testament to the artistic skill and spiritual devotion of the monks who created it. Its enduring popularity and influence on art and culture highlight its significance as a cultural and artistic treasure.

#4915

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

John's gospel

Mark W. G. Stibbe

In this book, Mark W.G. Stibbe introduces readers to a number of literary approaches to understanding John's Gospel. The work is designed to make these methodologies accessible to a wide readership, providing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the fourth gospel.

Bede and the Theory of Everything (Reaktion Books, 2023) investigates the life and world of Bede (c. 673–735), foremost scholar of the early Middle Ages and ‘the father of English history’. It examines his notable feats, including calculating the first tide-tables; playing a role in the creation of the Ceolfrith Bibles and the Lindisfarne Gospels; writing the earliest extant Old English poetry and the earliest translation of part of the Bible into English; and composing his famous Ecclesiastical History of the English People, with its single dating system. Despite never leaving Northumbria, Bede also wrote a guide to the Holy Land. Michelle P. Brown, an authority on the period, describes new discoveries regarding Bede’s handwriting, his research programme and his previously lost Old English translation of St John’s Gospel, dictated on his deathbed.

Michelle P. Brown is Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the School of Advanced Study, University of London, and was formerly Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library. Her books include Bede and the Theory of Everything (Reaktion, 2023).

Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature.

YouTube Channel here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books