This discussion looks to me like seeds for an excellent book: Popular
Misconceptions about the Middle Ages. What a resource that would be for
students and scholars alike! One might begin with a chapter entitled
"The World is Flat" which would catalogue some famous modern citations
noting this medieval misconception. Following on that, one might then
catalogue medieval sources such as those listed by R.A. Ross which show
the medievals to have thought the world round.
The possibilities for further chapters are endless: "Islands of
Civilization in Barbarian Oceans," "The Power of the Church in All
Things," "The Unbreachable Three Orders," "The Primitive Past," "Angels
on Pinheads," etc. Each would express the complexity and sophistication
of the medieval world in contrast to Renaissance and Modern
misconceptions.
Anyone interested?
Stephen Harris
Loyola Chicago
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|