Rachel Fulton Brown

Rachel Fulton Brown is an Associate Professor of Medieval History at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Department of History and the Medieval Studies program. She holds a PhD from Columbia University (1994). Her research focuses on medieval Christian intellectual and cultural history, particularly the cult of the Virgin Mary, liturgical practices, and scriptural exegesis. She teaches courses on European civilization, medieval history, and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, emphasizing empathy-driven historical interpretation. Her awards include the John Nicholas Brown Prize (2006) and Quantrell Award for Teaching (2007). Beyond academia, she is an accomplished fencer with notable achievements in veteran competitions.

Research interests span Mary’s theological centrality, medieval prayer techniques, and the interplay of faith and creativity. Publications include Mary and the Art of Prayer (2017) and From Judgment to Passion (2002). She also engages in public scholarship through blogs, podcasts, and cultural commentary on Western tradition.