Renaissance Papers 2021

Renaissance Papers is a collection of scholarly essays that explore the role of early modern chess in upholding Aristotelian virtue, readings of Sidney, Wroth, Spenser, and Shakespeare, and several topics involving the New World. The essays are written by contributors from various universities and are edited by Jim Pearce and Ward Risvold.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Renaissance Papers is a prestigious collection of scholarly essays that are annually submitted to the Southeastern Renaissance Conference. In this volume, readers are treated to a diverse range of topics, encompassing the role of early modern chess in upholding Aristotelian virtue, insightful readings of Sidney, Wroth, Spenser, and Shakespeare, as well as numerous discussions related to the New World.

The opening essay in Renaissance Papers takes a thought-provoking approach by examining the covert influence of early modern chess on an Aristotelian concept of virtue. It challenges the destabilizing ethical views of writers like Machiavelli and argues that chess played a subtle role in promoting virtuous behavior. This provocative essay sets the tone for the subsequent discussions.

The following essays delve into the rich tapestry of Renaissance literature. Sidney's Astrophil and Stella is analyzed, exploring the themes of love, loyalty, and the supernatural. Wroth's Urania is scrutinized, delving into the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations. Spenser's Fairie Queen is examined, shedding light on the power of magic and the supernatural in Renaissance literature.

The essays then shift their focus to the enigmatic world of Hermetic statue magic in Shakespeare's Winter's Tale. This magical realm is explored in depth, with an emphasis on its connections to alchemy, Aztec war gods, and conversion in sixteenth-century Mexico. Two additional essays remain in the New World, the first examining the representational connections between the twelve Caesars and the twelve Inca kings. The second essay takes a comprehensive look at Thomas Harriot's contribution to the understanding of Amerindian languages.

The penultimate essay in Renaissance Papers examines Holbein's depiction of Henry VIII's ailing body, offering a nuanced analysis of the king's physical and emotional state. The volume concludes with a complex analysis of guilt and shame in Molière's L École des Femmes.

Contributors to Renaissance Papers include renowned scholars and experts in the field of Renaissance studies. Jean Marie Christensen, William Coulter, Christopher Crosbie, Shepherd Aaron Ellis, Scott Lucas, Fernando Martinez-Periset, Timothy Pyles, Rachel Roberts, Jesse Russell, Janet Stephens, and Weiao Xing have all contributed their expertise to this volume.

The journal is edited by Jim Pearce of North Carolina Central University and Ward Risvold of Georgia College and State University. Their editorial vision and guidance ensure that Renaissance Papers remains a premier platform for scholarly discourse and exploration.

In conclusion, Renaissance Papers offers a captivating journey through the realms of Renaissance literature, philosophy, and culture. With its diverse range of topics and insightful essays, this collection provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike. By exploring the intersections of chess, literature, and the New World, Renaissance Papers sheds light on the rich tapestry of the Renaissance era and its enduring impact on human thought and society.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640141438