Anthony Bale
Professor of Medieval Studies at Birkbeck, University of London, specialising in medieval literature and devotional culture; offers commentary on the Book of Margery Kempe and its reception.
Best podcasts with Anthony Bale
Ranked by the Snipd community
36 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 47min
Margery Kempe and English Mysticism (Archive Episode)
Join Miri Rubin, professor of medieval history, Katherine Lewis, expert in women's spirituality, and Anthony Bale, medieval literature specialist, as they dive into the life of Margery Kempe. Discover her profound visions, the scrutiny she faced for her mystical experiences, and the societal challenges that shaped her journey. They discuss the significance of her pilgrimage to Jerusalem, her complex relationship with the Church, and how her Book emerged from obscurity to illuminate the spirituality of women in medieval England.
Feb 18, 2021 • 51min
Medieval Pilgrimage
Join historians Miri Rubin, Kathryn Rudy, and Anthony Bale as they uncover the fascinating world of medieval pilgrimage. Discover the major destinations like Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela, and how guidebooks helped those who couldn’t travel. Delve into the stark realities faced by pilgrims, from financial exploitation to illness. Learn about the allure of pilgrimage badges as symbols of faith and the surprising mix of piety and parody in these spiritual journeys. Explore how these practices laid the groundwork for modern spiritual quests.
