Irrational, barbaric age or romantically adventurous epoch? Our perceptions of the Middle Ages consist of clichés and stereotypes that persist even in the 21st century, often contradicting each other. These are shaped less by scientific findings than by novels, films, and video games. Particularly regarding past eras, the influence of literature can hardly be overstated. Julia Stehle occupies a new field in literary studies with her first comparative introduction to the history of literary receptions of the Middle Ages. Through selected examples from modern literature, she seeks to resolve the apparent contradiction between literary innovation and medieval reception. The exemplary analyses of works by James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Alfred Andersch are also intended to help develop new methodologies in literary studies.