Name:
Mike Ryan

Title:
Assistant Professor of History

Current Position/Academic Assignment:
Purdue University

Hometown:
New Port Richey, FL

Educational Background:
B.A. (1995) University of Florida; M.A. (1998) Western Michigan University; Ph.D. (2005) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. All three degrees were in history.

How did you learn about HMML?
When I was a graduate student at Minnesota, I had heard about HMML through comments that colleagues and faculty members shared, about their research experiences at HMML. Also, both Theresa Vann and Matthew Heintzelman had visited the Center for Medieval Studies at Minnesota to share their research and discuss the rich holdings of the HMML.

Current research at HMML:
I am working on late medieval astrology, divination, prophecy, expectations of the End Times and Apocalypse, and magic.

Why did you choose to study this—what got you interested in this topic?
While researching the effects of the Black Death in Rome, I came across a reference to a late-medieval Catalan translation of a prophetic work by a Franciscan from Aquitaine, Jean de Roquetaillade. When I enrolled in Minnesota's program, I decided I wanted to work on that topic, on expectations of the arrival of the Antichrist among members of the populace in the Crown of Aragon in the 14th and 15th centuries. As I delved deeper into the subject, I became aware of the various ways that people constructed their systems of knowledge and how astrology, magic, and the so-called "occult" figured in that heavily.

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve uncovered in your current research?
The most surprising thing is that there is a reference to a letter written by "Lucifer" to the various secular authorities of the world during the time of the Great Western Schism. Unfortunately, though it is listed in the online catalogue, the people who filmed the text forgot to include that one. So, when I go to Barcelona next spring, that’s going to be the first document I investigate!

What can we learn from that?
Well, I don’t know the substance of the text, so I can’t surmise what it might say. However, since it's written during the time of the Great Schism, when many members of the intellectual and cultural elite of Europe really did fear the End Times were upon them, this source might be an intriguing glimpse into some of the thoughts that were circulating.

Why did you decide to come to HMML for this particular research?
Specifically, I wanted to consult the holdings of the Diocesan Archive of Barcelona, which are microfilmed. I wanted to see if people were being brought before the bishop because they sought to divine the future. However, I've been greatly rewarded by microfilmed holdings from other libraries in Barcelona, such as that of the Cathedral, as well as libraries from other parts of Spain (Tarazona, Toledo, Vich), and other European libraries (Vienna, Salzburg, Shlägl)

What did you wish you knew about HMML before you came?
Really just how rich and extensive it is in its medieval and early modern holdings.

What would you tell someone about your experience at HMML?
I would tell them to absolutely consider coming here. It's an invaluable resource for medieval and early modern scholars working in all fields. I have had a wonderful experience here and would highly recommend that scholars use the holdings of the HMML to help with their research.

Do you have a favorite book or teacher from your youth that influenced your career/academic path?
I have two favorite teachers who influenced me: Mr. Stan Trapp, who was my AP English and AP History of Art high school teacher. His love of teaching and his passion for the subject hooked me on the humanities. Professor Patrick Geary, who was at the University of Florida when I was an undergraduate there, inspired me to become a medievalist, for many of the same reasons Mr. Trapp inspired me.

What do you read for leisure?
All sorts of things, really. I am especially taken with an English fantasy author who now lives in Minneapolis, Neil Gaiman. I recently read his "Anansi Boys," which was a novel about two brothers who are descended from the trickster spider-god, Anansi.

If you could travel back in time, what event would you like to experience in person? Why?
Woodstock, the original one. I mean, c'mon, it’s Woodstock. Janis, Jimi, The Incredible String Band, and Ravi among others! Need I explain further?