Author Spotlight: Mark Lewis

This week, let's meet another one of our recent authors - Dr. Mark Lewis - who wrote an article for issue 13 of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict.  

My article, “The ‘Jagged Sword’ of Poland: Deciphering a Royal Talisman”, presents the results of my previously published study of the mysterious inscription on the Polish coronation sword, the Szczerbiec. Understanding medieval magical traditions was the key to the sword’s meaning, and I’ve tried to share that context with the readers. I also included a sketch of the doctor-turned-magician Nicholas of Poland, a truly unique character, whether or not he had any involvement with the creation of the Szczerbiec.

• Tell us a bit about your background as an historian. What edge do you think it gives you as an author and as an historian?

Technically speaking, I do not have any! My academic training is in mathematics and I have published a little in this field, but judging by the number of readers, my efforts in medieval history are more popular. My interests include arms and armour, folklore, and magic. The research skills I learned during my doctorate are certainly helpful, but I’m very aware of my lack of formal expertise in this field. I try to focus on niche topics where new eyes and attention to detail can really pay off.

• Do you have a favourite event or figure or object from Middle Ages? Tell us about it.

I don’t like to pick favourites, but El Cid is someone that I have written about twice now, including for Medieval Warfare. I enjoy trying to uncover the truth, if any, behind the stories surrounding semi-legendary figures and artifacts. In my most recent project, which should appear in print by the end of the year, I traced a hardly credible anecdote about the theft of El Cid’s sword Tizona to a British officer who, while fighting in the Napoleonic Wars, actually acquired a sword made for the hero’s namesake, Rodrigo de Mendoza, the count of Cid.

• What sparks your initial interest in writing an article?

I look for connections between my own research and upcoming themes, particularly cases where an artifact or legend that I have studied could make a great hook for a wider discussion. Swords have such an iconic role in medieval culture and literature, so reading and writing about artifacts like the Szczerbiec can take you in many different directions.

• 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?

Since my research is a passion project that I can pursue only in my spare time, I usually work very slowly. I find inspiration in older, outdated books and articles where, in trying to bring myself up to speed on the latest research, I may stumble upon something genuinely new. Reading broadly around a topic of interest, and following up references relentlessly, often produces the most valuable leads. My best writing almost always happens in coffee shops; being in public pushes me to at least look productive.

• What do you find most valuable about this new magazine?

I always enjoy seeing contributions from other independent scholars. I’m interested in how they conduct and present their research, and look for lessons that I can apply in my own writing.

• What book(s) are you currently reading?

I’m in the process of moving, and with most of my books packed away, I don’t have as many on the go as I usually do. I have just finished Peter Sarris’ outstanding biography Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint, which recently won the London Hellenic Prize, and I am currently enjoying The Power by Naomi Alderman.

• What book(s) on medieval history and culture would you recommend to our readers? Why?

For anyone with a deeper interest in medieval magic, I highly recommend Binding Words: Textual Amulets in the Middle Ages by Don Skemer. The book offers a clear and comprehensive analysis of its confusing subject matter. It was my most valuable reference when researching the Szczerbiec. The book touches upon almost every source I relied upon in my study.

Though not directly related to my own research, I particularly enjoyed Ermengard of Narbonne and the World of the Troubadours by Fredric Cheyette. This beautifully written book offers a vivid portrait of society in Southern France in the twelfth century, with great insight into the practical reality of “feudal” relations and women’s status.