The Medieval Podcast

This week, Danièle recommends her favourite series of primary sources for those people who want to read the voices of the Middle Ages in friendly editions. From Latin sources, to Middle English, to modern English translations, these recommended series bring medieval writers to modern readers.

Many people seem to have the misguided idea that the medieval era was a time in which science and technology were all but forgotten. For the 75th episode of the podcast, Danièle talks with Peter Konieczny about ten medieval inventions that changed the world.

This week, Danièle explores the life of Margery Kempe: a 15th-century mystic said to be the first female autobiographer in English, and one of medieval Europe’s most colourful - and memorable - figures. Check out the other podcasts hosted by Medievalists.net Byzantium & Friends - https://www.medievalists.net/tag/byzantium-friends/ Scotichronicast - https://www.medievalists.net/tag/scotichronicast/

Can you tell your Benedictines from your Franciscans and Dominicans? This week, Danièle gives a brief overview of the the backstory of some of the major monastic traditions, and how you can tell them apart.

Looking for a medieval chronicle that is a page-turning read? The 12th century account known as The Murder of Charles the Good is an action-packed tale of assassination, revenge and war. In this episode of The Medieval Podcast, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about this riveting chronicle.

What’s better - a Rose or a Violet? That is the question written about by Jean Froissart in the 14th century. This debate between plants - each with their own lawyer - tells us a lot about medieval culture and how writers from this period created allegorical poems.

This week, it’s medieval story time, with a tale that crosses over between fabliau and courtly love: The Ghost Knight. Danièle shares the story of how a knight manages to win his lady with a little supernatural sleight-of-hand.

Written in 14th century China, Romance of the Three Kingdoms can best be described as a historical novel. This week, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about this famous work of warriors, generals and rulers.

Although people love to read and learn about The Wars of the Roses, there’s one historical figure who is rarely found in the limelight: Henry VI. This week, Danièle speaks with Lauren Johnson about the somewhat forgotten “shadow king” Henry, his life, his illness, and his quiet but important legacy. The sponsor for this week’s episode is Skillshare – you sign up for a two-month free trial by going to www.medievalists.net/skillshare You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

This week, Danièle speaks with the host of the Byzantium and Friends podcast, Dr. Anthony Kaldellis, about Byzantium, its place in history and in academic departments, and why it’s an area of study that is definitely worth our time.