Men of Learning in Europe ― At the End of the Middle Ages

Verger's (medieval history, U. of Paris) study measures the influence acquired by certain disciplines particularly religion, literature, and law in the organization of European society. He focuses on the emergence in the 14th and 15th centuries of "learned men" who, through their intellectual competency and ability to put their book learning to practical uses, came to be important figures, helping both to make the Renaissance possible and to reshape late medieval political culture. Originally published in French in 1997. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)