01-16-2013 This multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary journal publishes scholarly essays that deal with the Middle Ages, inclusive of "all disciplines, methodologies, and approaches." The contents of each issue represent this broad scope. For example, two recent issues featured pieces by scholars in English, Hebrew and Judaic Studies, European Art, History, and Comparative Religion. The journal focuses on Western Europe, although "Arabic, Byzantine, Hebrew, and Slavic studies are also included." Roughly half of each issue is devoted to an enormous number of book reviews and brief notices about publications relevant to Medieval Studies. Recent essays, including copious footnotes to the text, have ranged from 25 to 45 pages in length. While articles are written in English, notes often present material in its original language. Recent articles published in Speculum include "A Warlord's Wisdom: Literacy and Propaganda at the Time of the First Crusade," "How to Read Like a Fool: Riddle Contests and the Banquet of Conscience in Piers Plowman," and "French Literature, Florentine Politics, and Vernacular Historical Writing, 1270-1348." While this journal includes much content that does not engage literature directly, those articles that deal with literature are important reading for literary scholars studying the period. Recommended for academic libraries, especially those that support Medieval Studies programs. (HCM) (Martin, Heath)