Frederick B. Artz (1894–1983)

1/28/23

Discovered this book by chance when reading a review, a few years ago, by Washington Post book critic Michael Dirda. Artz, long time professor at Oberlin College, died in 1983. This is still being published. It is an
excellent introduction to the intellectual milieu of the Middle Ages. Later editions were only updated in terms of small text corrections and updating the extensive bibliography. A must have book for any Medievalist.

Napoleon being gone, the Monarchies of Europe tried to re-impose the systems in place prior to 1789. It did not go well, and the emphasis here is on the attempts to rebottle the genie in France, though English and German examples can be found. The prose is clear but pedestrian.

the development of culture in the middle ages