Essays in Medieval History

Essays in Medieval History marks the retirement from the University of Toronto of one of North America’s most distinguished medieval scholars, Professor Bertie Wilkinson. It consists of twenty-three essays, all previously unpublished, by the leading medieval historians of the English-speaking world.

Nearly all these articles deal with topics in English history from the twelfth to the fifteenth century. Some advance a specific discussion or controversy, some treat problems of edition or source description, and others mark initial publication on some topic or person. All were written with Professor Wilkinson’s own special interests in mind, and all explore what he and many others agree is the greatest theme of history: The unending story of men’s efforts to reconcile order and liberty, the two essential ingredients for a truly great civilization.

Professor Wilkinson’s skill in the use and interpretation of contemporary sources is renowned throughout the field of medieval history, his influence as a scholarly teacher is more extensive still, and his friendships on two continents transcend all bounds of discipline, class, and age. This volume is a fitting tribute to such an historian, and will stand as a lasting contribution to medieval scholarship.