Edward D. English

Edward D. English serves as Executive Director of the Medieval Studies Program and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the society and culture of Medieval and Early Renaissance Siena and Tuscany, particularly the Magnates of Siena between 1240-1420. He specializes in manuscript studies, including paleography and diplomatics/codicology, as well as medieval sexual and economic ethics.

Research & Teaching: Dr. English teaches courses such as Manuscript Studies I & II, Latin Paleography, and Medieval Latin. His publications include Enterprise and Liability in Sienese Banking, 1230-1350 and co-edited volumes like The Blackwell Companion to the Middle Ages. He served as Lila Wallace/Readers Digest Visiting Professor at Harvard’s Villa I Tatti in Florence (2008).

Professional Contributions: He has edited Mediaeval Studies (1988-1990) and co-authored works on interfaith relations in Medieval Spain. His research bridges economic history, urban governance, and cultural exchanges in late medieval Italy.

Academic Engagement: Active in medieval textual analysis, his courses emphasize practical engagement with primary sources through paleography and diplomatic methodologies. He contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on medieval Mediterranean networks and institutional structures.