Judson Allen, David Benson, Judith Ferster, and Mary Teresa Tavormina discuss aspects of the European Middle Ages. Why do modern popular audiences think of the medieval period as the Dark Ages? What are some of the differences and parallels that characterize the contract social systems of modern times in contrast and comparison to the status societies of the Middle Ages?
At the time of this conversation, Allen was professor of English at the University of Florida. Benson, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1983-84), was professor of English at the University of Connecticut. Ferster, a Fellow at the Center (1980-81), was professor of English at Brandeis University. Tavormina, a Fellow at the Center (1983-84), was professor of English at Michigan State University.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
