A Marvelous Solitude: The Art of Reading in Early Modern Europe

Lina Bolzoni's book explores how the early modern roots of the readerly act transformed literature into a portal to self-awareness and a dialogue with the author. Renaissance intellectuals viewed reading as a private encounter and a dialogue with the author, which helped them construct the self and enrich it through contact with other learned men. The book as a body, reflecting the notion that reading literature placed its author in the room with oneself, and the vogue for hanging portraits of authors in libraries and studios ensured that the image of the creator was never far from his words, cementing bonds of friendship across barriers of time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The encounter with books during the Renaissance period was a transformative experience that opened up a gateway to self-awareness and a profound connection between author and reader. This shift in perspective occurred between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, as European men of letters began to view books as more than mere repositories of knowledge. Instead, they recognized the potential of literature to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Lina Bolzoni, in her book "A Marvelous Solitude," delves into the early modern roots of this readerly attitude. Bolzoni demonstrates how Petrarch, Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Montaigne, and Tasso all presented reading as a private encounter and a dialogue with the author. For Renaissance intellectuals, reading was not just a means of acquiring knowledge; it was also an essential tool for constructing their own selves. They saw the book as a mirror image of its author, with whom they shared a secret affinity.

In their letters to one another, humanists described the book as a living entity, reflecting the notion that reading literature brought the author into the same room as the reader. They believed that by engaging with the work of deceased authors, they were able to resurrect them and engage in contemporary conversations that transcended time. This necromantic aspect of reading added a layer of enchantment to the readerly experience, as it allowed readers to connect with the creators of literature in a way that was both intimate and mystical.

The vogue for hanging portraits of authors in libraries and studios during the Renaissance further reinforced the idea that the image of the creator was closely linked to their words. This practice not only enhanced the visual appeal of the library but also created a sense of camaraderie among readers who shared a common admiration for the author. The bonds of friendship forged through reading literature extended beyond the boundaries of time and space, creating a community of like-minded individuals who were united by their love for literature.

These myths surrounding the readerly encounter with books had a lasting impact on the Romantics, who continued to cherish and perpetuate these beliefs. The intimate feeling that reading still evokes today is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, transform, and connect people across generations. The Renaissance period marked a significant turning point in the history of reading, as it shifted from a mere means of acquiring knowledge to a tool for self-discovery and spiritual renewal. Through the lens of Bolzoni's book, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of myths and beliefs that shaped the readerly experience during this transformative era.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674660236