The volume presents a collection of articles on medieval history of universities, published over three decades. Covering the schools in northern France in the 12th century to the German universities of the 15th century the "studia" are considered as a system of learning and living. The high expectations of medieval society, the constitutional framework of learning, central institutions of the universities, individual careers and especially the grip of the church on the teaching of theologians receive attention. Academic freedom and orality of communication are both taken into account. In this way a colourful picture of the founding period of university history arises from this book.