Ryan Szpiech

About the Author

Ryan Szpiech is a scholar of medieval literature and cultural history, whose work explores the intersections of religion, identity, and narrative in the premodern world. With a focus on how medieval texts continue to shape contemporary understandings of the past, Szpiech challenges readers to reconsider the legacies of history through critical and accessible lenses. His research draws on diverse sources, from Iberian chronicles to philosophical treatises, illuminating the complexities of cultural exchange and conflict. As an associate professor at the University of Michigan, he bridges academic rigor with public engagement, making the Middle Ages relevant to modern debates on heritage and memory. In Whose Middle Ages?: Teachable Moments for an Ill-Used Past, Szpiech curates essays that confront the misuse of medieval history in today's political discourse, offering tools for educators and enthusiasts alike to reclaim a more nuanced narrative.