The Darker Vision of the Renaissance: Beyond the Fields of Reason

The Darker Vision of the Renaissance explores political, literary, social, religious, medical, and artistic events between 1300 and 1670 that led beyond the bounds of reason into the nonrational, irrational, and suprarational phenomena of the European Renaissance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The Darker Vision of the Renaissance delves into a comprehensive examination of political, literary, social, religious, medical, and artistic events that occurred between 1300 and 1670, pushing the boundaries of reason into the realm of nonrational, irrational, and suprarational phenomena during the European Renaissance. In his introduction, Robert S. Kinsman explores the various uses of ratio, "fancy," and "folly," melancholy, anxiety, and alienation during this transformative period.

Lynn White Jr. takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey by presenting the central thesis of the collection, asserting that the years 1300–1650 marked one of the most psychologically disturbed eras in European history. Donald R. Howard delves into the concept of "world-alienation" during this time, using two late fourteenth-century poems, "Gawain and the Green Knight" and "Toilus and Criseyde," to illustrate his point.

John G. Burke provides a captivating account of the flourishing of hermetic, magical, cabalistic, and astrological practices during the Renaissance, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of beliefs and practices that characterized this era. Lauro Martines delves into the physical and psychological tensions experienced by gentlemen and courtiers as a result of literal exile or psychic alienation from their lesser fellows. Kees W. Bolle offers an insightful analysis of the "structures" of Renaissance mysticism, exploring the profound depths of this spiritual movement.

Gilbert Reaney's essay takes a deep dive into the role of ratio as the foundation for the "measured" music of the fourteenth century, contrasting it with the newer duple and triple rhythms that gained prominence in the later half of the century. Marc Bensimon explores Renaissance modes of perception, as depicted in works of art, literature, and philosophical speculation, highlighting the primordial anxieties caused by the passing of time and the fear of death. The reflections of theological notions about the "dreadful hidden will of God" in such works as Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus" are given thorough background and perceptive treatment.

Overall, The Darker Vision of the Renaissance offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the complex and enigmatic events that shaped the European Renaissance, providing a rich tapestry of insights into the minds period.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520304956