This manual uses the medieval past to teach modern scholars how to succeed in public engagement. Combining a careful study of public engagement in Europe between 1000 and 1500 with the author\u2019s experiences working at a public research library, this book shows medievalists how to use mindsets, approaches, and practices from the Middle Ages to build productive connections with diverse publics beyond academia. To do so, it describes the systemic roadblocks preventing effective public engagement in the academy; offers four medieval solutions to those issues from the work of prominent intellectuals and anonymous laypeople from medieval Europe; and suggests how scholars can incorporate those solutions into their professional development. In so doing, this book will help present and future generations of professional medievalists to make their expertise engaging, relevant, and valuable for contemporary audiences of all kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n List of Illustrations<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preface<\/p>\n\n\n\n Introduction<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 1. Peter Damian and the Life of Service Conviction<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 2. Hildegard of Bingen and Genre Diversity<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 3. Henry Suso and Audience Development<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 4. Newberry Inc. 1699 and Audience Empowerment<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 5. The Public Engagement Game Plan<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bibliography<\/p>\n\n\n\n Index<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Christopher D. Fletcher<\/strong> is Assistant Director of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library in Chicago, where he regularly shares medieval history with diverse publics through his research, programs, collection presentations, digital resources, exhibitions, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Series: Teaching the Middle Ages<\/p>\n\n\n\n 144 Pages, Trim size: 6 x 9 in<\/p>\n\n\n\n Published: 2025-09-30<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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