Memory and Mortality in Renaissance England

Memory and Mortality in Renaissance England explores the interrelationships of memory, mortality, and visual culture in Renaissance England, featuring an extended Introduction and three subsections. It appeals to scholars of early modern literature and culture, book history, art history, and the history of mnemonics and thanatology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Drawing together a formidable team of esteemed scholars in the fields of early modern memory studies and death studies, Memory and Mortality in Renaissance England delves into the intricate interplay between these two domains of Renaissance knowledge and practice, theory and practice. This comprehensive collection offers an extensive Introduction that establishes a profound connection between these two areas of study and exploration. The subsequent sections, namely The Arts of Remembering Death, Grounding the Remembrance of the Dead, and The Ends of Commemoration, provide in-depth analyses of how memory and mortality converged in writings, devotional practices, and visual culture. This book will captivate scholars of early modern literature and culture, book history, art history, and the histories of mnemonics and thanatology, serving as an invaluable resource for researchers, instructors, and students alike.

Introduction:
In Renaissance England, memory and mortality converged in profound ways, shaping the cultural landscape and influencing the ways in which individuals understood and experienced the world. This collection brings together leading scholars from both fields, offering a comprehensive exploration of the interrelationships between these categories of knowledge and practice. Through an extended Introduction, the collection establishes a rich vein connecting these two fields of study and investigation, highlighting the shared concerns and methodologies that underpin their exploration.

The first section, "The Arts of Remembering Death," delves into the various ways in which individuals and communities engaged with the memory of the deceased. Contributors analyze how memory and mortality intersected in writings, devotional practices, and visual culture, exploring the ways in which these forms of expression shaped the ways in which individuals remembered and commemorated the dead. From the creation of memorials and tombstones to the development of mourning rituals and elegies, the section explores the diverse ways in which memory and mortality were expressed and negotiated in Renaissance England.

The second section, "Grounding the Remembrance of the Dead," examines the philosophical and theological frameworks that underpinned the remembrance of the dead in Renaissance England. Contributors explore the ways in which memory and mortality were conceptualized and understood within religious and intellectual traditions, examining the role that memory played in shaping religious belief and practice. The section also explores the ways in which individuals and communities used memory to negotiate the boundaries between life and death, seeking to find meaning and purpose in the face of loss.

The third section, "The Ends of Commemoration," examines the various ways in which individuals and communities marked and celebrated the passing of time. Contributors analyze how memory and mortality were incorporated into commemorative practices and rituals, exploring the ways in which these practices shaped the ways in which individuals understood the nature of time and the significance of their place in history. The section also explores the ways in which memory and mortality were used to construct and maintain social and cultural identities, examining the ways in which individuals and communities used memory to assert their place in the world.

In conclusion, Memory and Mortality in Renaissance England offers a rich and nuanced exploration of the interrelationships between memory and mortality in Renaissance England. Through its comprehensive approach, the collection provides a valuable contribution to the fields of early modern literature and culture, book history, art history, and the histories of mnemonics and thanatology. It will appeal to scholars and students alike, offering a wealth of insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of this fascinating period of history.

Weight: 620g
ISBN-13: 9781108843393