Uncovering Bede’s Theory of Everything
Listen in to a special two-part conversation with Dr. Michelle P. Brown, professor emerita of medieval manuscript studies at the University of London and former curator of illuminated manuscripts at the British Library. In part one, we speak with her about her new book, Bede and the Theory of Everything (published by Reaktion Books), the challenges of working with shy medieval authors, and saving civilization by becoming a librarian. In part two, we continue our conversation with Dr. Brown, and discuss bringing medieval England to the general public, preparing mentally for working with manuscripts, and (possibly) finding Bede’s very own handwriting.
Experience the Episode
Presented by Medieval Institute
Listen in to a special two-part conversation with Dr. Michelle P. Brown, professor emerita of medieval manuscript studies at the University of London and former curator of illuminated manuscripts at the British Library. In part one, we speak with her about her new book, Bede and the Theory of Everything (published by Reaktion Books), the challenges of working with shy medieval authors, and saving civilization by becoming a librarian.
In part two, we continue our conversation with Dr. Brown, and discuss bringing medieval England to the general public, preparing mentally for working with manuscripts, and (possibly) finding Bede’s very own handwriting.
Meeting in the Middle Ages is hosted by Will Beattie and Ben Pykare, both Ph.D. candidates at Notre Dame’s Medieval Institute. The podcast is sponsored by the Medieval Institute of the University of Notre Dame and supported by the Medieval Academy of America’s Graduate Student Committee through their Community Building Award.
MoreMeet the Speaker: Dr. Michelle P. Brown
Dr. Michelle P. Brown is a Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the University of London. She was previously (1986-2004) Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library. She has been a historical consultant and on-screen expert on several radio and television programmes. She has published on the Lindisfarne Gospels, the Luttrell Psalter, and the Holkham Bible.
Her research interests include the transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages, the Conversion to Christianity, Biblical and Liturgical manuscripts, early relations between East and West (she is currently researching manuscripts at St Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai), Anglo-Saxon and Celtic Early Christian cultures and manuscript illumination and its interpretation. She is currently Professor Emeritus at the School of Advanced Study, University of London, a Visiting Professor at University College London and a Visiting Research Fellow at Durham University. Her former positions include the Curator of Medieval and Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library, Professor of Medieval Manuscript Studies and Course Tutor to the History of the Book MA at the School of Advanced Study, University of London, the Sandars Lecturer in Bibliography at Cambridge University, and Lay Canon and Chapter Member at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. Professor Brown has written, lectured and broadcast widely.