R. W. Southern (1912-2001) is widely regarded as one of the greatest medieval historians. His first book, The Making of the Middle Ages (1953), translated into many languages and never out of print, is recognized as a classic. This volume contains the series of reflections on medieval historical writing that Southern produced during his tenure as President of the Royal Historical Society, supplemented by his occasional pieces on two related subjects: the nature of academic history and appreciations of other medievalists, both his teachers and his contemporaries. Their publication here in book format makes these writings by a master medievalist accessible to the wider audience they deserve.


The material is introduced by R. J. Bartlett, himself a prominent medievalist, who sheds light on Southern's outlook and the importance of his work.