Author Spotlight: Miriam A. Bibby
Here is a new Author Spotlight, featuring a recent author - Miriam A. Bibby, PhD FSA Scot FRHistS - who contributed to issue 17 of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict.
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- What have you contributed to Medieval World?
For the recent horse-themed issue of Medieval World, I produced an article on medieval clergy on horseback, entitled “Jingling Monks and Sidesaddle Nuns: Ecclesiastical Horses on the Road”.
- Tell us a bit about your background as an historian (education or otherwise).
Growing up in northeast England, I was influenced by history almost from the start. Famous historic sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Durham Cathedral, and Bamburgh Castle were within an hour’s drive. My first degree was in archaeology and geography, with a focus on British prehistory. Then I studied Egyptology at the University of Manchester, gained an MPhil on the topic of the horse in ancient Egypt, and taught for twelve years on the University’s distance and networked Egyptology courses.
I achieved my PhD about a little-known, but highly influential landrace of Scottish horses – the Galloway horses – in 2022. By then the field of equine history was growing! This was largely due to the work of Dr Anastasija Ropa and Dr Timothy Dawson, who established the horse-themed sessions at Leeds IMC. Now we have a flourishing international community of scholars, all united by their love for the horse and appreciation of its historic role. Anastasija and I edit Cheiron, the International Journal of Equine and Equestrian History.
I’d say my background enables me to take the long view in equine history, from the horse in antiquity to the modern day. Having been a writer and editor for many years, and needing to write for an income, I have the experience to write both popular and academic material.
- Do you have a favourite event or figure or object from Middle Ages? Tell us about it.
It would be a difficult choice between Heribald the boy racer in Bede’s work, and William Fitzstephen, the cleric on the staff of Thomas Beckett, who left us a description of the London horse fair at Smithfield. My favourite equine medieval figure is the ‘stot, al pomely grey’, called Scot, the horse that belonged to the Reeve in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
- What sparks your initial interest in writing an article?
You’ve probably guessed I write a lot, a minimum of 1000 words a day, and usually more. Research curiosity is what motivates me. Equine history is my first love. However, in the last year or so I’ve published work on Lord Byron in north east England, Lady Arbella Stuart, The D-Day Landings, and many other themes. I love history and I love to write and to share my quirky discoveries with others!
- Tell us a bit about your research and writing process. What research do you usually undertake for your articles? What is the perfect environment/circumstance for you to write?
For me the perfect environment would be a garden office surrounded by inspirational images and tidy bookshelves. This only exists in my mind. In reality, I sit surrounded by chaotic stacks of books, magazines, and notebooks. I can write anywhere, at any time, and although I do have a desk, I’m writing this with my laptop resting on the arm of the sofa with my feet up and a cup of coffee and big pile of appealing books next to me.
- What do you find most valuable about this magazine?
Having worked in magazine and journal publishing myself I admire the dedication of your editorial team. Your passion for your publication comes through clearly. Medieval World is visually appealing and accessible.
- What book(s) are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Medieval Ghost Stories, by Andrew Joynes, a Boydell and Brewer publication. There are plenty of supernatural steeds in it too!
- What book(s) on medieval history and culture would you recommend to our readers? Why?
Oh, there are so many books on medieval history and culture that I could recommend! Forced to choose, I’d select the memoirs of Pope Pius II. It’s fifteenth century, rather than strictly medieval, but it’s a fascinating commentary and a unique document. He also wrote a text on horse care.
His memoirs are available in several editions including Secret Memoirs of a Renaissance Pope: The Commentaries of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini (abridged) trs. Florence A. Gragg and ed. Leona C. Gabel. London: the Folio Society, 1988; and Pius II Commentaries, ed. Margaret Meserve and Marcello Simonetta. Cambridge Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2003.
- Tell us a bit about your publications!
Your readers will probably like the two volumes of Saints and Sinners on Horseback that I’ve edited, featuring the work of several medieval scholars. It was a pleasure to work with our contributors, who have spun wondrous tales about Christian saints and Islamic heroes, horse racing rogues and supernatural encounters. Available from Trivent Publishing.
Saints and Sinners on Horseback Volumes I & II, ed. Miriam A Bibby. Budapest: Trivent Publishing, 2023-2024.
