English University Life in the Middle Ages

By: Alan Cobban

Narrated by: Ed Altman

This work presents a composite view of medieval English university life. The author offers detailed insights into the social and economic conditions of the lives of students, their teaching masters and fellows. The experiences of college benefactors, women and university servants are also examined, demonstrating the vibrancy they brought to university life. The second half of the book is concerned with the complex methods of teaching and learning, the regime of studies taught, the relationship between the universities in Oxford and Cambridge, as well as the relationship between “town” and “gown”.

The book is published by The Ohio State University Press.

©1999 Alan B. Cobban (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“This is a volume which, like the university, offers both instruction and entertainment.” (The Lecturer)

“Triumphantly successful.” (Urban History)

Worth it if you stick it out

Meticulously researched, even colorful narrative. The book does get weighed down at places and can be a difficult listen. I had to replay parts. But still a great book

Great History Writing

Sure this subject isn't about knights in shining armor winning glory and renown accross Europe's battlefields, nor is it the exciting chronicles of the monarchs of England-its about life in a university town in the Middle Ages. Its a quiet subject but its quite colorful. Cobban does an excellent job of presenting the material in a way that brings the period to life again. There is a lot of detail but its not tedious. Cobban has very stringent standards as to what he will consider useful historical data, so there is very little speculation here. I feel I can trust his sources for veracity. The book takes patience, but you will be well rewarded with a really vivid and intimate glimpse into a facet of life in the Middle Ages