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Michael K. Kellogg

Wisdom of the Renaissance

Wisdom of the Renaissance

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This survey of significant works from Petrarch to Shakespeare explores the depth of thought and diversity of expression that characterized the Renaissance, documenting the evolving concerns that drove the search for wisdom. It highlights the transformation of medieval ideas, the impact of Erasmus, Machiavelli, and Castiglione, and the contributions of Rabelais, Montaigne, Cervantes, and Shakespeare to a post-Renaissance view of humanity and personal identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2019
Publisher: Prometheus Books


This captivating survey of pivotal works spanning the lives of Petrarch (1304-1374) to Shakespeare (1564-1616) unveils the profound depth of thought and the remarkable diversity of expression that characterized the Renaissance. The author delves into a wide array of literary forms, including poetry, philosophical treatises, essays, letters, novels, comedies, and dramas, documenting the diverse range of evolving concerns that drove the Renaissance quest for wisdom.

Beginning with Petrarch's rejection of scholasticism and his ambitious endeavor to breathe new life into classical learning, Kellogg traces the transformative journey of medieval ideas, evolving at an increasingly rapid pace. Erasmus's calls for modest reforms paved the way for the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, which divided and ravaged much of Europe. Machiavelli's forthright pragmatism encountered the utopian irony of Thomas More. And Castiglione's ideal courtier perfected the ideal of Renaissance self-fashioning. These figures laid the foundation for the four towering authors who conclude the book—Rabelais, Montaigne, Cervantes, and Shakespeare—each of whom contributes to a post-Renaissance view of humanity and personal identity that heralded the dawn of modernism.

It is remarkable to note that only two centuries separated Petrarch and Shakespeare, yet they stand as the two most transformative centuries in the annals of thought. The Renaissance witnessed a remarkable fusion of ideas, cultures, and artistic expressions, laying the groundwork for the intellectual and artistic movements that would shape the world for centuries to come. From Petrarch's revival of classical learning to Shakespeare's exploration of human nature and the complexities of the human experience, the Renaissance era was a period of immense creativity, innovation, and intellectual growth.

The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in humanism, which emphasized the value and potential of human beings and their achievements. This philosophy inspired a wave of artistic and intellectual exploration, as artists and thinkers sought to capture the essence of human experience and explore the depths of the human mind and soul. The era saw the emergence of new literary forms, such as the sonnet, the novel, and the play, which allowed artists to express their ideas and emotions in new and innovative ways.

In addition to the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Renaissance, the era was also marked by significant social and political changes. The rise. The Renaissance saw the rise of the merchant class, which played a crucial role in the economic and social development of Europe. The era also witnessed the emergence of new political ideas, such as democracy, republicanism, and socialism, which challenged the traditional power structures of the church and the monarchy.

The Renaissance was a period of immense cultural exchange, as people from different parts of the world came together to share ideas, knowledge, and artistic traditions. This exchange led to the development of new languages, such as Italian, French, and Spanish, which became the dominant languages of Europe for centuries to come. The era also saw the development of new technologies, such as the printing press, which allowed for the widespread dissemination of knowledge and ideas.

In conclusion, the Renaissance was a period of immense significance in the history of thought and culture. It marked a period of profound intellectual and artistic exploration, as artists and thinkers sought to understand the world around them and explore the depths of the human experience. The Renaissance laid the foundation for the intellectual and artistic movements that would shape the world for centuries to come, and its legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and thinkers today.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781633885189

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