Humanism and Good Books in Sixteenth-Century England

This book explores sixteenth-century humanism as an origin for the idea of literature as good, even great, books, arguing that humanists located the value of books not only in the goodness of their writing but also in their capacity to shape readers in good and bad behavior, thoughts, and feelings. It provides a new perspective on periodization, the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance / early modern, and the revaluation of literature that inspired authors to invent their own good books but also placed a new burden on them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This book delves into the origins of literature as a revered and esteemed art form during the sixteenth century, attributing its emergence to the influence of humanism. It posits that humanists recognized the inherent value of books not solely in their elegant and persuasive writing but also in their ability to mold and influence readers' behavior, thoughts, and emotions, thereby shaping their morality. By approaching humanism from a moral standpoint, this book offers a fresh perspective on the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance/early modern era. It suggests that humanists did not entirely reject or deviate from medieval ideas about literature but rather adapted and modified them, fostering a renewed belief in the moral instructiveness of ancient pagan and classical texts for Christian readers. This reevaluation of literature carried both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it inspired authors to create their own exemplary works, exemplifying both stylistic excellence and moral integrity. Examples include morality plays such as Everyman and the Christian Terence tradition, as well as educational treatises like Sir Thomas Elyot's Boke of the Governour. On the other hand, humanism imposed a new responsibility on authors, demanding that their works not only entertain but also educate and enlighten readers.

In the aftermath of humanism, authors grappled with the challenge of communicating the value of their creations to their audience, resorting to a pre-humanist approach reminiscent of Geoffrey Chaucer. This medieval-inflected doubt permeates the late sixteenth-century writings of renowned Elizabethans such as Robert Greene, George Gascoigne, and Edmund Spenser.

Through its exploration of humanism's impact on the perception of literature, this book sheds light on the complex interplay between artistic expression, moral values, and the historical context of the sixteenth century. It provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the literary world during this transformative period and its enduring influence on the development of literature as an art form.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192883193