Student Notes from Latin Europe (1400–1750) : A Research Companion

Abstract

The first comprehensive guide dedicated solely to research on Latin-European early modern student notes.

The many preserved collections of student notes from the early modern period – ranging from neatly maintained notebooks to barely legible scribbles crammed between lines of printed text – hold considerable but largely untapped potential as an historical source. At the same time, the analysis of these notes poses significant challenges for scholars. This book aims to be a concise and accessible companion for scholars interested in engaging with this young and burgeoning research field. Written by a diverse group of specialists from across Europe and the US, it explores the various technical and practical aspects involved in reading, interpreting, and editing student notes, while also demonstrating how these sources can enrich various areas of historical research. Indeed, student notes reveal that early modern lecture halls were often more dynamic, diverse, and creative than we might have expected.