New Directions in Medieval Manuscript Studies and Reading Practices: A Conference in Honour of Derek Pearsall’s Eightieth Birthday

October 20-22, 2011

This three-day conference, sponsored by the Medieval Institute through the generosity of Robert M. Conway and organized by Kathryn Kerby-Fulton, Notre Dame Chair in English, will honor a seminal figure in the study of Middle English literature: Derek Pearsall, Gurney Professor of English Emeritus, Harvard University, and Co-director Emeritus, Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York.

In 1998, Prof. Pearsall organized a major conference entitled “New Directions in Later Medieval Manuscript Studies” that produced a series of outstanding essay contributions to the field. The 2011 conference will offer a retrospective look at previous directions in scholarship and push forward with new insights and reflections on current trends.

Taking place at the University of Notre Dame’s London Centre, the conference is bringing together some of the most eminent scholars working in the field of Middle English literature today. A full program with speakers and session titles is available at the New Directions conference web site.