http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/medieval.html

Tip: Below is a selection of the most useful reference works for medieval studies. More can be found by browsing the call number indicated in Olin Reference (and in a few cases in the Olin stacks).

Crosby, Everett U. Medieval studies: a bibliographic guide. NY: Garland, 1983. (Olin Reference +Z6203 .C94 ). About 9,000 items (books and monographs) in classed arrangement; nearly all entries are briefly annotated. Nice arrangement of primary sources. Lists "the major collections of sources and the secondary literature considered to be of basic importance." (Introduction).

Caenegem, R. C. van. Guide to the sources of medieval history. Amsterdam: North-Holland Publishing Company, 1978. (Olin Reference Z6517 .C12) This is a revised, translated, and expanded edition of the earlier Dutch editions. It is divided into five sections--1. Typology of the sources of medieval history, 2. Libraries and archives, i.e. repositories of medieval manuscripts, 3. Great collections and repertories of sources, 4. Reference works for the study of medieval texts, 5. Bibliographical introduction to the auxiliary sciences of history. Each section consists of a number of explanatory or bibliographic chapters citing and describing a wide range of sources for the many aspects of medieval studies. (Balay, 1996).  

Powell, James M. Medieval studies: an introduction. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1992. 2d. ed. (Olin Reference Z6517 .M48 1992). Designed to offer the student "a convenient orientation in the field." (Introduction). Essays by various authors on all aspects of medieval studies. Bibliographical footnotes and/or substantial bibliographies at the end of each chapter. Includes paleography, diplomatics, chronology, literature, music, archaeology, law and science. (Balay, 1996).

Paetow, Louis John. A guide to the study of medieval history. Millwood, NY: Kraus Reprint, 1980. (Olin Reference Z6203 .P19) A classic, prepared under the auspices of the Medieval Academy of America. This is a revised and corrected edition of the 1931 edition. It concentrates on Western Europe with "restricted attention to Northern and Eastern Europe" and exclusion of England. (Balay, 1996).

Boyce, Gray Cowan, comp. and ed., Literature of medieval history, 1930-1975 : a supplement to Louis John Paetow's A guide to the study of medieval history Millwood, N.Y. : Kraus Publications, c1981. (Olin Reference Z6203 .P12 1931 Suppl.) As the title suggests, an expanded, updated version of Paetow's Guide.

Répertoire international des médiévalistes = International directory of medievalists. Turnhout: Brepols, 1995. 8th ed. (Olin Reference D116.5 .R42) Provides names, addresses, and fields of specialization for 16,000 medievalists worldwide. Indexes for fields and country of origin.

Repertorium fontium historiae medii aevi: primum ab Augusto Potthast digestum, nunc cura collegii historicorum e pluribus nationibus emendatum et auctum.. Rome: Instit. Storico Italiano per il Medio Evo, 1962-89. 6 vols. (Olin Reference Z6203 .P86 1962 +) The first volume is an alphabetical listing of sets of chronicles, miscellanies, and other collections, together with their contents of sources of medieval history up to 1500. The "Fontes" section offers a repertory of medieval writings arranged by individual author's name or anonymous title of the chronicle or document treated. (Balay, 1996).

Cahiers de civilisation médiévale: bibliographie.. Poitiers: Centre d'Etudes Supérieures de Civilisation Médiévale, Universite de Poitiers, 1958- Annual. (Olin stacks D116.5 .R42 and D111 C13 +) The first volume is an alphabetical listing of sets of chronicles, miscellanies, and other collections, together with their contents of sources of medieval history up to 1500. The "Fontes" section offers a repertory of medieval writings arranged by individual author's name or anonymous title of the chronicle or document treated. (Balay, 1996).

Deutsches Archiv für Erforschung Des Mittelalters. Koln: Graz, 1937-. (Olin DD126.A1 D48) A bibliography of articles and books concerning medieval studies. Topical arrangement under broad headings; descriptive annotations. Name and subject indexes end each volume. (Balay, 1996).

Medioevo latino: bollettino bibliografico della cultura europea del secolo VI al XII. Spoleto: Centro Italiano di Studi Sull'Alto Medioevo, 1980-. Annual. (Olin Library Room 404 PN661 .S9331; also on CD-Rom in the Olin Electronic Text Center.) Considered one of the standard bibliographies for medieval studies. An extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources often annotated. Classed arrangement, with indexes of authors and manuscripts. Includes citations to critical reviews. (Balay, 1996).

Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Strayer, Joseph R., gen. ed. Dictionary of the Middle Ages. 12 vols. New York: Scribners, 1982-1988. (Olin Reference D 114 D55+; also Uris Reference) Articles cover roughly the years 500-1500 A.D. in the lands of the Latin West, the Slavic world, Asia Minor, the lands of the Caliphate in the East, and the Muslim-Christian areas of North Africa. Some entries are only of definition length (e.g. Avignon), but others are more historical and lengthy (e.g. Byzantine Empire, Constantine I, Arms and Armor). Bibliographies are mostly in English.

Lexikon des Mittelalters. Munich: Artemis-Verlag, 1977-1995. (Also available full-text on CD-Rom in the Electronic Text Center.) A new work with signed contributions by an international roster of scholars. Entries for persons, places, terms, etc. Bibliographies. (Balay, 1996).

Bergin, Thomas Goddard. Encyclopedia of the Renaissance. NY: Facts on File, 1999. (Olin Reference +CB361 .E52x 1999; Uris Reference CB361 .H88x 1999). Brief articles on all aspects of the Renaissance (1300-1620) in alphabetical arrangement, with cross-references. A bibliography for further reading is divided into primary and secondary materials. Includes a chronological table with columns for politics and secular events, religion, emperors, kings and princes.

The Catholic encyclopedia. An international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church. Ed. Charles G. Herbermann, et al. New York, Appleton [c1907-12]. (Also available in print at Olin Reference BX841 .C36) This fifteen volume encyclopedia goes beyond the subject of Catholicism to include science, literature, art and civilization. Particularly good on historical topics and the Middle Ages. Reissued and updated in the 1960s as The New Catholic Encyclopedia (Olin and Uris Reference). Articles sometimes include bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

Medieval Archaeology : an Encyclopedia. Edited by Pam J. Crabtree. New York: Garland, 2001. (Olin Reference D125.M42x 2001+) A substantive up-to-date encyclopedia of medieval archaeology, with entries for sites (Sutton Hoo, e.g.), areas (Pre-Viking Scandinavia), ethnic/culture groups (Vikings, Visigoths), artifacts (Stoneware) and activities (Hunting, Cloth-making). Each article is signed and has an extensive up-to-date bibliography. An excellent index.

Medieval folklore : a guide to myths, legends, tales, beliefs, and customs. edited by Carl Lindahl, John McNamara, John Lindow. Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2002. (Olin Reference and Uris Library Reference GR35 .M43 2002) Two volumes. Originally published: Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c2000. Includes index in volume two and bibliography with articles. An interesting and stimulating collection on topics not covered in other medieval encyclopedias.

Ancient Europe 8000 B.C.--A.D. 1000: encyclopedia of the Barbarian world. Peter Bogucki & Pam J. Crabtree, editors in chief. New York ; London : Charles Scribner's Sons/Thomson/Gale, c2004. Two volumes. (Olin Library Reference D62 .A52x 2004+)

Encyclopedia of barbarian Europe: society in transformation. Michael Frassetto. Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c2003. (Olin Library Reference D135 .F73x 2003+)

The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Anglo-Saxon England. Edited by Michael Lapidge; with John Blair, Simon Keynes, and Donald Scragg. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell, 1998. (Olin Reference DA 152 B58x 1998) This alphabetically arranged collection of signed articles by 150 contributing scholars aims to provide a basic orientation in the field of Anglo-Saxon studies, describing the persons, places, events and concepts that constitute the identity of the age. Most articles contain concise bibliographies. An appendix provides a detailed chronology of the rulers of the English, c.450-1066, as well as several historical maps.

Medieval Jewish civilization: an encyclopedia. Norman Roth, editor. New York: Routledge, 2003. (Olin Reference DS124 .M386 2003 +)

Medieval England: An Encyclopedia. Ed. Paul E. Szarmach, M. Teresa Tavormina, Joel T. Rosenthal. New York: Garland, 1998.(Olin Reference DA 129 .M43x 1998)

Medieval France: An Encyclopedia. Ed. William W. Kibler, Grover A Zinn. New York: Garland, 1995.(Olin Reference DC 33.2 .M48 1995)

Medieval Germany: An Encyclopedia. Ed. John M. Jeep. New York: Garland, 2001. (Olin Reference DD126 .M43x 200+)

Medieval Scandanavia: An Encyclopedia. Phillip Pulsiano, editor ; Kirsten Wolf, co-editor ; Paul Acker, associate editor, Donald K. Fry, associate editor ; advisers, Knut Helle ... [et al.]. New York : Garland, 1993. (Kroch Rare and Manuscripts Reference and Olin Reference DL30 .M48+).

Medieval Iberia: An Encyclopedia. E. Michael Gerli, editor ; associate editors, Samuel G. Armistead ... [et al.]. New York : Routledge, 2003. (Olin Reference DP99 .M33x 2003+).

Medieval Italy: An Encyclopedia. Christopher Kleinhenz, editor. New York : Routledge, 2004. (Olin Library Reference DG443 .M43x 2004) Two volumes.

Medieval Islamic civilization : an encyclopedia / Josef W. Meri, editor. New York : Routledge, c2006. Two volumes. (Olin Library Reference DS36.85 .M434 2006 +)

Oxford English dictionary [computer file]. Oxford, UK : Oxford University Press, [2000]- (Library Gateway's Find Databases also in print at Olin and Uris Reference PE1625 .M98 1989) The OED presents in alphabetical series the words that have formed the English vocabulary from the time of the earliest records down to the present day, with all the relevant facts concerning their form, sense-history, pronunciation, and etymology. It embraces not only the standard language of literature and conversation, whether current at the moment, or obsolete, or archaic, but also the main technical vocabulary, and a large measure of dialectical usage and slang. This online edition contains the complete A to Z sequence of the Second Edition, its three-volume Additions Series, and also draft material from the revision programme, which represents the latest progress towards the Third Edition.

Women and gender in medieval Europe : an encyclopedia / Margaret Schaus, editor. New York: Routledge, c2006. Includes bibliographical references and index. (Olin Library Reference HQ1147.E85 W66 2006+)

Women in the Middle Ages : an encyclopedia / edited by Katharina M. Wilson and Nadia Margolis. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, c2004. Two volumes. Includes bibliographical references and index. (Olin Library Reference HQ1143.W643 2004)

Database of latin dictionaries. Turnhout : Brepols, 2005-
Integrates different types of Latin dictionaries-- modern, medieval or early-modern.

Biography

Literature Resource Center [Farmington Hills, MI] : Gale Group, c1999-. (Library Gateway's Find Databases). LRC includes biographical, bibliographical, and contextual information on authors and their works (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, history, and journalism). Designed for undergraduates, scholars may find it useful as well.

Chevalier, Cyr Ulysse Joseph. Répertoire des sources historiques du moyen âge. Paris: Picard, 1894-1907. Reprint, NY: Kraus, 1959-60. (Olin Reference Z6203 .C52 +) Formerly of first importance for the literature of medieval history, it's still useful for its biographical orientation. The first part is arranged alphabetically by personal name (in the French form), the second by place and topic. Under each name, references are given to sources. An immense mass of material is indexed, but without critical indication of value.

Dictionary of National Biography (online version): DNB. 21 vols. plus suppl. London: Oxford UP, 2004. (Olin Reference and Uris Reference DA28.D4 O95 2004) The standard work for English biography. It contains signed articles by specialists and excellent bibliographies. The scope includes noteworthy inhabitants of the British Isles and the Colonies. Still not very good on its coverage of women.

British biographical archive: a one-alphabet cumulation of 324 of the most important English-language biographical reference works originally published between 1601 and 1929. London: K. G. Saur, 1984. 1236 microfiches. (Olin lower level microtexts) Reproduces in one alphabetical sequence entries from some 320 biographical sources other than the Dictionary of National Biography. Indexed by British biographical index (Olin Reference +CT773 .B86 1998). Useful both as an index to the microfiche and as independent resource, providing dates, occupations, and citations to both printed sources and the microfiche set.

Dictionnaire de biographie française. Paris: Letouzey et Ané, 1933-92. (In progress.) (Olin Reference +CT 143.D55) An important dictionary of national biography, unfortunately still incomplete (to date up to L). More convenient to use, but not nearly as extensive as the microfiche set above.

Archives biographiques françaises. London: Bowker-Saur, Ltd., 1988-90. 1065 microfiches. (Olin lower level microtexts) Reproduces entries from nearly 180 biographical sources published from the earliest time to 1914. Includes supplements of omissions. Indexed by Archives biographiques françaises (Olin Reference +CT1003 .I53x 1998). Useful both as an index to the microfiche and as independent resource, providing dates, occupations, and citations to both printed sources and the microfiche set.

Allgemeine deutsche Biographie Leipzig: Duncker, 1875-1912. 56 volumes.(Olin stacks CT1053 .A43) The outstanding German biographical dictionary, containing long, signed articles, with bibliographies, on persons from early times to the end of the 19th century.

Deutsches biographisches Archiv: eine Kumulation aus 254 der wichtigsten biographischen Nachschlagswerke für den deutschen Beriech bis zum Ausgang des neunzehnten Jahrhunderts. Munich: K.G. Saur, 1982. 1447 microfiches. (Olin lower level microtexts) Reproduces about 400,000 entries on 225,000 individuals from 267 biographical sources published between 1700 and 1910, plus a supplement of omissions.

The Church

Charles G. Herbermann, et al., ed. The Catholic encyclopedia; an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church. New York, Appleton [c1907-12]. (Also available in print at Olin Reference BX841 .C36) This fifteen volume encyclopedia goes beyond the subject of Catholicism to include science, literature, art and civilization. Particularly good on historical topics and the Middle Ages. Reissued and updated in the 1960s as The New Catholic Encyclopedia. Articles include bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

Farmer, David H. Oxford Dictionary of Saints. New York: Oxford UP, 1987. (Uris and Olin Reference BX 4655.2 .F23 1987) Excellent for its bibliographies of primary source material on official saints. Short bibliographic citations to the vitae and other primary sources follow each entry, and a listing of abbreviations precedes the main section. A Calendar of the Principal Feasts of Saints is located at the end of the dictionary.

Dictionary of saints. John J. Delaney. Garden City, N.Y. : Doubleday, 1980. (Olin Reference BX4655.8 .D33) Short entries (without bibliography) on all saints, including unofficial saints.

The lives of the saints. Rev. S. Baring-Gould, M.A., with introduction and additional lives of English martyrs, Cornish, Scottish, and Welsh saints, and a full index to the entire work. New and rev. ed. Illustrated by 473 engravings. Edinburgh : J. Grant, 1914. (Olin Library Reference BR1710 .B25; other editions in the Olin stacks) Outdated in some respects, but still classic. Sixteen volumes with illustrations, maps, genealogical tables, etc.

The papacy: an encyclopedia. Philippe Levillain, general editor; John W. O'Malley, English language edition editor. New York : Routledge, 2002. (Olin Library Reference BX955.2 .D53x 2002+) Three volumes covering all aspects of the papacy. Articles include bibliography.

Dictionary of religious orders. Peter Day. London ; New York : Burns & Oates , c2001. (Olin Reference BX2420 .D39x 2001). Particularly strong on post-medieval orders, this work is still useful for medievalists. A list of alternative names of orders is provided in the back.

Dictionnaire d'histoire et de géographie ecclésiastiques. Alfred Boudrillart ... [et al.] avec le concours d'un grand nombre de collaborateurs. Paris, Letouzey et Ané, 1912- (Olin Library Reference BR95 .B34) Issued in parts, this series is still in progress. Editors vary. Articles often includes bibliographies. Volumes as of 2004: v.1-27=fasc.1-161; v.28=fasc.162-164,166 (1912-2003).

Series episcoporum Ecclesiae catholicae, quotquot innotuerunt a beato Petro apostolo. A multio adjutus edidit, p. Pius Bonifacius Gams, O.S.B. Ratisbonae : Typis et Sumptibus Georgii Josephi Manz, 1873. (Olin Reference BX4666 .G19). Old but still extremely useful listing of the history of the personnel (clergy and bishops) of European dioceses from the time of their foundation up to the 19th century. Includes brief bibliography.

Hierarchia catholica medii aevi, sive Summorum pontificum, S.R.E. cardinalium, ecclesiarum antistitum series ab anno 1198 usque ad annum [1605] perducta e documentis tabularii praesertim Vaticani collecta, digesta, edita per Conradum Eubel ... Superiorum permissu. Monasterii, sumptibus et typis librariae Regensbergianae, 1898- (Olin Reference Oversize BX4651 .H63 ++) Volumes : v.1-9 (1898-2002). Biographical and historical guide to bishops, cardinals, popes for the world. Bibliography is contained in extensive footnotes. Originally intended to comprise the period of 1198 to 1431 alone. In a second volume (published 1901 with title as above and half-title "Hierarchia catholica medii aevi vol.II") the period of 1431 to 1503 was added, and volumes 3-9 include the modern period.

Medieval religious houses, England and Wales. David Knowles and R. Neville Hadcock. New York : St. Martin's Press, [1972, c1971] (Olin Reference BX2592.K73 M4 1972) A classic, it includes overviews and extensive bibliographies.

The heads of religious houses, England and Wales. David Knowles, C.N.L. Brooke, Vera C.M. London. Cambridge : University Press, 1972-2001.(Olin Reference BX2592.K73 H4). Provides annotated lists of the superiors of houses and sources on houses and personnel. Volume 1 covers 940-1216; volume 2 covers 1216-1377.

Fasti ecclesiae Anglicanae, 1066-1300. John LeNeve. [ Originally published, London, 1716; Rev. and expanded ed.]. Greenway, Diana E. London, Institute of Historical Research : Athlone P., 1968-. Vols. 1-3 Olin Reference BX5197 .L56 1968 + and Olin Library Oversize BX5197 .L56 1968 + Vols : 4-8 (1991-2002)) Guides to the clergy and dioceses of England. Includes bibliographies. 1. St. Paul's, London, compiled by D. E. Greenway.--2. Monastic cathedrals, (Northern and southern provinces) compiled by D. E. Greenway.--3. Lincoln.--4. Salisbury / compiled by Diana E. Greenway.--5. Chichester / compiled by Diana E. Greenway.--6. York / compiled by Diana E. Greenway.--7. Bath and Wells / compiled by Diana E. Greenway.--8. Hereford / compiled by J. S. Barrow.

Fasti ecclesiae Anglicanae, 1300-1541. John LeNeve. [London] : University of London, Institute of Historical Research, Athlone Press, 1962-67. (Olin Library BX5197 .L56 1962) 1. Lincoln Diocese, compiled by H.P.F. King.--2. Hereford Diocese, compiled by J.M. Horn.--3. Salisbury Diocese, compiled by J.M. Horn.--4. Monastic cathedrals, compiled by B. Jones.--5. St. Paul's, London, compiled by J.M. Horn.--6. Northern Province, compiled by B. Jones.--7. Chichester Diocese, compiled by J.M. Horn.--8. Bath and Wells Diocese, compiled by B. Jones.--9. Exeter Diocese, compiled by J.M. Horn.--10. Coventry and Lichfield Diocese, compiled by B. Jones.--11. The Welsh Dioceses, compiled by B. Jones.--12. Introduction, errata and index, compiled by J.M. Horn.

Fasti ecclesiae Gallicanae. Ongoing. Guides to six (to date) French dioceses, in Olin Library at various call numbers; do a key word search with the name of the series and the name of the diocese in the CU online catalog to find exact call number.

Chronologies and Histories

English Calendar Intended to replace handbooks of dates for students of English history and literature, the site also attempts to be accurate for European history outside of England, with the exception of the period 1582-1752. Includes links to Continental dates, Ecclesiastical Calendar, Old and New Style Dating, Day of the week, and Regnal Years.

The New Cambridge Medieval History. 7vols. Edited by Rosamond McKitterick. Cambridge, [England] ; New York, NY, USA : Cambridge University Press, 1995- (Olin Reference and Uris Stacks D117 .N48x 1995) An updated and revised version of the classic The Cambridge Medieval History which provides exhaustive essays on all aspects of medieval history from the beginnings of the Christian Roman Empire (approximately 274 A.D.) to the close of the Middle Ages (approximately 1450 A.D.). Each chapter has been written by a specialist and each volume concludes with an extensive bibliography. The emphasis is on political and economic history. Other multi-volume sets cover ancient (Uris D57 .C17 1970; also Olin Reference) and modern (Uris D208 .N53 1957; also Olin Reference) history.

Storey, R. L. Chronology of the Medieval World 800 to 1491. New York: David Mackay, 1973.(Olin Reference D118 .S88 1973) Focuses on Western Europe, but an attempt has been made to show contemporary developments in other continents as well.

Maps, Atlases, and Geography

The Cornell Map Collection (located in the Lower Level of Olin Library). The Map Collection contains over 232,000 maps, 3000 books and atlases and 400 CD-ROMs, and . The collection is geographically comprehensive and includes medieval maps in facisimile and electronic form.

Orbis Latinus; Lexikon lateinischer geographischer Namen des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit. Helmut Plechl. Sophie Charlotte Plechl. Braunschweig, Klinkhardt & Biermann [c1972] (Olin Reference and Kroch Rare Reference G107 .G73 1972). A dictionary of medieval Latin names of places and geography.