Out of an abundance of caution in response to the spread of COVID-19, we have canceled all remaining seminars in the Winter/Spring 2020 term. Please visit www.newberry.org/covid19 for further updates.

Please email seminars@newberry.org with any questions.

Seminar Description

Explore the highlights of medieval English history—from the Norman Conquest and the Anarchy through the first Plantagenet kings of England—through the prism of historical fiction. In addition to reading a short history, historical novel, and two plays, we will discuss issues such as church and state relations, law and commerce, food and drink, land tenure and military service, medicine, and the role of women in society.

Five sessions. E – $220, R – $242

A law librarian and independent scholar with a PhD from the University of Wales, Matthew Bird studied Irish literature and history at Princeton University and University College Dublin. He has been teaching seminars at the Newberry since 1999.

Materials List

Required:

• 1066: The Year of the Conquest. David Howarth. Barnes & Noble, 1993. ISBN: 978-0140058505
• Becket. Jean Anouilh. Riverhead Books, 1995. ISBN: 978-1573225083
• The Lion in Winter. James Goldman. Random House, 2004. ISBN: 978-0812973358

First Reading:

• Please read David Howarth's 1066: The Year of the Conquest for the first class.

Registration Information

• Online registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Tuesday, January 7.
• Phone registration opens at 12 pm (CST) on Wednesday, January 8.

Early registration (E) prices are in effect from January 7 at 9 am through January 24 at 4 pm. Regular registration (R) prices are in effect January 24 at 4 pm through the end of the term.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

Need Help? Please email seminars@newberry.org.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies and procedures, or teaching a seminar.