The Italian Renaissance: The Essential Readings (Blackwell Essential Readings in History) - Hardcover

'These are indeed the essential readings for anyone who wants to understand how contemporary scholarship has recast and reinterpreted this pivotal period in human history. Wide ranging and provocative, this exploration of the Italian Renaissance fascination with the Ancients, God, and strong leaders is underpinned by a sophisticated appreciation for the fragile foundations of society in gender relations, the intimacy of family life, and the bonds of neighborhood and community.' Edward Muir, Northwestern University 'This volume brings together classic, brilliant articles that were formative of present understandings of Italian Renaissance culture. Given Paula Findlen's lively, engaging introduction, it will be an invaluable source for teaching.' Carol Lansing, University of California, Santa Barbara

Thirteen of the most important critical essays on the Italian Renaissance are brought together in this volume. Designed to introduce readers to both recent and classical interpretations, the collection provides an ideal starting point for study of this period.Topics covered include the structures of power, urban life and values, gender, family and society, the power of knowledge, and patronage and art. Taken together, the readings illuminate the origins, course and outcome of the Italian Renaissance. Editorial introductions and annotations to each essay provide a helpful framework for students engaging with critical aspects of the subject for the first time. An overall introduction discusses the themes and approaches that have dominated the recent historiography of the Renaissance, as well as the debates about how to define the Renaissance and its relationship to Italy: it also considers different approaches to the 'end' of the Renaissance.