The Rise of Universities (eBook)

Charles Homer Haskins (1870-1937) was a distinguished American historian and one of the most respected scholars of the medieval period. Born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Haskins exhibited an early talent for languages and history, leading to his enrollment at Johns Hopkins University where he earned his Ph.D. at the unprecedented age of 20. His scholarly fervor and intellectual capacity positioned him among the vanguard of medievalists in the early 20th century. Haskins served as Professor of History at Harvard University and was known for his expertise in the history of medieval Europe, especially the institutions and governance of the Carolingian Renaissance. One of his best-known works, 'The Rise of Universities' (1923), is a seminal text on the origins and development of higher education institutions in medieval Europe. In this volume, Haskins expertly explores the academic, religious, and cultural catalysts that spurred the establishment of medieval universities, a topic that has shaped our understanding of the intellectual life of the Middle Ages. His approach to history was remarkably interdisciplinary, blending the study of language, culture, and thought with traditional historical methods. Haskins' writing style, characterized by clarity and succinctness, has ensured that his work remains influential among historians and scholars of higher education. His contributions to medieval history were recognized with numerous honors, including his role as the first Chairman of the American Council of Learned Societies.