The Medieval Chronicler
An exploration of the life and scholarly contributions of Richard Barber, a distinguished historian illuminating the Middle Ages, chivalry, and Arthurian legend.
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About Richard Barber
A Scholar of the Past
Richard William Barber, born on October 30, 1941, is a notable British historian. His extensive work focuses on the rich tapestry of medieval history, literature, and the enduring legends of chivalry and Arthurian lore. His career has been dedicated to bringing the complexities and fascinations of the medieval period to a wider audience through insightful scholarship and engaging prose.
Nationality and Recognition
As a British national, Barber's contributions have significantly shaped the understanding of medieval British and European history. His academic achievements are further recognized by prestigious fellowships, including Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL), Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA), and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS).
Academic Foundations
Early Education
Barber received his foundational education at two esteemed institutions:
- Marlborough College: A renowned independent boarding school known for its academic rigor and tradition.
- Corpus Christi College, Cambridge: A constituent college of the University of Cambridge, where he pursued higher studies, laying the groundwork for his distinguished career in historical scholarship.
Scholarly and Academic Career
University and Professorship
Barber's academic engagement extended beyond his own research. He served as a Visiting Professor in the History department at the University of York from 2013 to 2016. His significant contributions to the field were further acknowledged when he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the same university in 2015.
Pioneering Publisher
Founding Boydell Press
In 1969, Richard Barber founded The Boydell Press, an enterprise that would become a cornerstone in the field of medieval studies publishing. This press later evolved into Boydell & Brewer Ltd, a respected academic publisher. Barber served as the group managing director until 2009, guiding its growth and scholarly direction.
Expanding Horizons
Demonstrating a commitment to fostering medieval scholarship globally, Barber, in association with the University of Rochester, established the University of Rochester Press in upstate New York in 1989. In a remarkable move towards employee welfare and long-term sustainability, the directors of Boydell & Brewer Ltd transferred the company into a trust for the benefit of its employees in 2016.
Select Bibliography
Key Publications
Richard Barber's prolific writing career has produced numerous influential works, primarily focusing on medieval history, Arthurian legends, and chivalry. His books are noted for their scholarly depth and engaging narrative style.
Notable Accolades
Somerset Maugham Award
Richard Barber's significant work, The Knight and Chivalry, published in 1970, received critical acclaim and was honored with the prestigious Somerset Maugham Award. This award is a well-known British literary prize, recognizing excellence in writing and underscoring the literary merit and impact of Barber's scholarship on the interplay between history and literature.
Areas of Expertise
Arthurian Legend
Barber has a long-standing and deep specialization in Arthurian legend. His exploration of this complex body of myth and literature began early in his career with works like Arthur of Albion and continued through numerous other titles, examining the historical context, literary evolution, and cultural significance of King Arthur and his knights.
Historical Biography
Another major focus of Barber's work is historical biography. He has authored compelling accounts of significant medieval figures, including Henry Plantagenet, Edward, the Black Prince, and Edward III. These biographies delve into the lives, reigns, and campaigns of these influential individuals, providing rich historical context.
Collaborative Works
With Juliet Barker
Richard Barber collaborated with fellow historian Juliet Barker on the book Tournaments: Jousts, Chivalry and Pageants in the Middle Ages, published in 1989 by Boydell Press. This joint effort highlights the shared interest in the pageantry and practices of medieval society.
Authority Control
Catalogues and Databases
This section provides links to various international and national databases that catalog information about Richard Barber, facilitating further research and verification.
International Authorities
- ISNI
- VIAF
- GND
- WorldCat
National Authorities
- United States (Library of Congress)
- France (BnF)
- BnF data
- Japan (NDLB)
- Italy (SBN)
- Australia (NLA)
- Czech Republic (NKC)
- Portugal (BNP)
- Netherlands (KB)
- Norway (BIBSYS)
- Belgium (KBR)
- Poland (BN)
- Vatican (VatLib)
- Israel (NLI)
- Belgium (KBR)
Academics & Other
- CiNii
- Trove
- DeutscheBiographie
- DDB
- IdRef
- SNAC
- Yale LUX
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional academic or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, research, or verification. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified academics or historians for specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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