Michael Edwards

Dr. Michael Edwards is an Associate Professor at Jesus College and Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge. He specializes in early modern British and European history, with a focus on intellectual and cultural history, political thought, and the history of the book. His research explores the circulation of knowledge, women’s book ownership, and the intersections of natural and political philosophy.

Edwards holds a PhD from Cambridge (2006) and has held notable fellowships, including the Kennedy Scholarship at Harvard (2000–2001) and a Junior Research Fellowship at Christ’s College, Cambridge (2005–2009). He co-edited a groundbreaking edition of Descartes’ early manuscript Regulae ad directionem ingenii (2023) and published extensively on figures like Anne Conway and Tobias Rustat. His work bridges philosophy, science, and social history, examining topics ranging from slavery in Restoration England to the intellectual networks of early modern scholars.

Key research themes include the material culture of books, the role of friendship in intellectual circles, and the philosophical debates between Aristotelian traditions and emerging modern science. His recent studies on Anne Conway’s lost library and the African Companies’ ties to slavery highlight his interdisciplinary approach to uncovering marginalized histories.

Edwards has received awards such as the Kennedy Scholarship and Junior Research Fellowship. His collaborative research with Richard Serjeantson underscores his commitment to reconstructing the intellectual landscapes of the 17th century. His publications reflect a deep engagement with primary sources and a nuanced analysis of early modern thought.