Subject
Renaissance -- England Books
Best books
Clare Howard
English Travellers of the Renaissance
"English Travellers of the Renaissance" by Clare Howard is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the phenomenon of travel among English gentlemen during the Renaissance period, particularly focusing on the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It examines how travel was seen as a means of cultural and educational enrichment, reflecting broader societal shifts towards humanism and cosmopolitanism in England. The beginning of "English Travellers of the Renaissance" outlines the preface and introduction of Howard’s study, emphasizing the vastness of literature surrounding travel and the need to shed light on a significant aspect of Renaissance travel practices. Howard discusses how the practice of travel evolved from religious pilgrimages to pursuits for knowledge and education, highlighting the crucial role of humanism and languages in shaping this journey. She notes that many of these essays were designed to prepare young men to engage fully with their travels, aiming to benefit both personal development and the broader commonwealth. This opening portion sets the stage for a detailed examination of how English travellers viewed their expeditions as part of their education and social duty, providing insights into their motivations, experiences, and the cultural exchanges they inspired.
William Barksted
Seven Minor Epics of the English Renaissance (1596-1624)
"Seven Minor Epics of the English Renaissance (1596-1624)" by Barksted et al. is a collection of lesser-known narrative poems from the English Renaissance period. This compilation brings together seven distinct minor epics, or "epyllions," that showcase various themes of love and mythology, reflecting the genre's characteristics and stylistic conventions. The collection features works by both well-known and anonymous authors, with a focus on romantic and timeless struggles faced by its characters. The opening of the collection contains an introduction that outlines the significance of minor epics and their historical context within Renaissance literature. It details the selection of seven poems included in this volume, such as "Philos and Licia," "Pyramus and Thisbe," and "The Love of Dom Diego and Ginevra." The introduction highlights the contributions of various authors while also discussing the overarching themes, stylistic choices, and the unique circumstances surrounding the creation and publication of these works. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the narratives and the insights they provide into the cultural and literary milieu of their time.
John Smith Harrison
Platonism in English poetry of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
"Platonism in English Poetry of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries" by John Smith Harrison is a scholarly treatise examining the influence of Platonic philosophy on English poetry, written during the early 20th century. The work articulates how Platonism shaped the spiritual and ethical framework of poets from that period, focusing specifically on poets like Edmund Spenser. The book delves into themes of love, beauty, holiness, and the moral ideals that stem from Platonic thought, providing insights into how these ideas were integrated into the poetic landscape of the time. The opening of the text establishes its critical approach, detailing how Harrison intends to explore Platonism not through the lens of individual poets but as a collective influence on the poetry as a whole. He introduces concepts such as the duality of earthly versus heavenly beauty, discussing how these notions manifest in Spenser's work, particularly through allegorical characters symbolizing virtues like holiness and temperance. As an example, he highlights the character Una from "The Faerie Queene," depicting her as an embodiment of Platonic wisdom and truth. Furthermore, the text comments on how the poets of the time aligned their depictions of love and beauty with Platonic ideals, framing the discussion within a broader cultural and historical context. This scholarly examination serves to illuminate the intricate ways in which philosophy informed poetic expression during a pivotal era in English literature.
Frederic William Maitland
English Law and the Renaissance The Rede Lecture for 1901
"English Law and the Renaissance" by Frederic William Maitland is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work examines the relationship between English law and the cultural and intellectual movements of the Renaissance era, specifically focusing on how legal traditions persisted despite the prevailing influences of humanism and changes in political structures. The author emphasizes the impact of figures like Sir Edward Coke and Sir Thomas Littleton on the continuity of English legal doctrine during a time of significant transformation. The opening portion of the work introduces the context of Maitland's lecture delivered at Cambridge, respectful of Sir Robert Rede, whose financial endowment supported such academic discussions. The author presents the tension between traditional English law and the influences of Renaissance humanism, discussing how certain legal doctrines managed to remain intact amid changing cultural paradigms. He references prominent figures, historical events, and legal developments from the time, establishing a narrative that interrogates the role of English law within the broader intellectual landscape of the Renaissance and the Reformation.
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