Joseph
Joseph Mead (or Mede) served as a Fellow of Christ’s and College Tutor from 1613 until his death in 1638. He was a Hebraist and biblical scholar of distinction, known for treating his pupils with consideration. Although Mead did not personally tutor Milton, the young poet would certainly have known him. Mead kept a series of five account books that itemize nearly every charge incurred by his students, giving us an unparalleled picture of the daily lives of
This opening gives details of the purchases made by one student, Justinian Pagitt, for the year 1626/7. As well as practical items such as candles (five pence) and ‘keys for study Chamberdore’ (one shilling and sixpence), Pagitt purchases numerous books on Mead’s recommendation, including Alciato’s Emblemes, Xenophon’s Cyropaedia, and Henry Peacham’s Compleat Gentleman (no. 10 in the exhibition).