Italy in the Age of the Renaissance: 1300-1550

by John M. Najemy (Editor)

The twelve essays in this volume, each written by a leading specialist, present an accessible and comprehensive introduction to Italian Renaissance society, intellectual history, and politics, with each contribution reflecting the most recent innovations in the way that historians view and study the period.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Italy, Renaissance, Medieval, Art

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 13, 2004

Reviews

[Marks54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding history of Italy during the Renaissance. As with other books in this series, this book is a collection of review essays by the top historians currently working in a topical area. The intent is not just to present a history but to clarify what parts of a topical area have been changing with new research and show how new discoveries can end up changing the overall story that historians are now telling and how they will change their future research. The editor, John Jahemy, is a top historian of Renaissance Florence and does a fine job at tying these essays together.

I have to process more and will likely expand this further but I highly recommend the book.

[Daniel Schotman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much a history but a thematic exploration of several historical topics that are nevertheless one by one are interesting reads in one either one go or separately.

In the over all picture of Italy in the Renaissance and the several cities of importance as Florence, Milan or Venice there is much to be learned from this book in terms of a introduction. For further exploration and going more deeper it is certainly recommended to turn to more specific works after this. The book gives an excellent idea of the extreme importance of this period for both Italy, Europe and the world by discussing the change in political leadership, arts, the rise of humanities, religion, economics and philosophy.

All in all, a good introduction, easy to read in well paced articles from where further exploration can be undertaken easily. Though one need to keep in mind that the publication library on Italy in the Renaissance is vast and huge, not to mention translations of original source material.

[Aerdna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the first chapter and loved it! Will read the rest in the summer.

[Hildegart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short history is correct. It is a good overview.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic overview of the history and historiographical trends, but useful as a reference guide.