27 July 2006
Tolerance and cultural exchange were a feature of the Middle Ages, even during the crusades, the annual free public lecture hosted by Monash's Institute for Public History will hear next week.
The crusades saw popes, kings and emperors draw on the concept of Christian unity to inspire the population of Western Europe to unite to fight against Islam. However, communities of learning that encouraged dialogue also existed during the Middle Ages, making tolerance and cultural exchange possible.
The role of these communities will be examined during the public lecture on 2 August at the State Library of Victoria. The lecture, titled Communities of Learning 1085-1453: Cultural Exchange and Religious Diversity from the capture of Toledo to the fall of Constantinople, will be given by medievalists Associate Professor Constant Mews, Director of Monash University's Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology; and Professor Earl Jeffrey (Jeff) Richards from the University of Wupperthal, Germany.
The lecture will be illustrated with manuscripts from the State Library of Victoria's collection and linked to the library's new permanent exhibition: 'Mirror of the World: books and ideas'.
Dr Mews is renowned for his identification of more than 100 lost love letters by Heloise and Abelard, two of the most famous lovers of the Middle Ages, who, he argues, constituted a true 'community of learning' by sharing their ideas. Dr Mews' research is moving to explore cultural transmission and interaction between Muslims, Jews and Christians in the Middle Ages. He teaches at Monash's School of Historical Studies.
Professor Richards is professor of Romance Literatures at the University of Wuppertal. He is a world authority on Christine de Pizan, having translated her Book of the City of Ladies, and has published many studies about this prolific female writer of the early 15th century.
What: 2006 Annual Public Lecture by Monash University's Institute for Public History.
When: Wednesday, 2 August, 6pm to 7.30pm. Free Admission.
Where: Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria, Entry 3, La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Enquiries: (03) 9905 2164
For further information, contact Associate Professor Constant Mews on +61 3 9905 2185, or Karen Stichtenoth, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 1253 or 0408 812 301.
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