Medieval Secular Literature

In Medieval Secular Literature: Four Essays, the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at UCLA captures the vibrant intellectual and social spirit of its inaugural colloquium held in April 1964. This event brought together a diverse group of scholars from across disciplines—spanning literature, history, art, and music—to explore the richness of medieval secular traditions. Rather than adhering to a single thematic thread, the conference embraced a variety of topics and perspectives, akin to the eclectic approach of a Welsh sermon meant to spark individual reflection. The resulting essays reflect this interdisciplinary and dynamic exchange, capturing the essence of the lively discussions and camaraderie that defined the gathering. This collection stands as both a testament to the colloquium’s success and a source of inspiration for scholars and enthusiasts of medieval studies.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1965.