The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy

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The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy by Jacob Burckhardt offers an in-depth analysis of the social, cultural, and political aspects of the Italian Renaissance. The book explores the era’s rediscovery of individuality, the flourishing of the arts, and the unique societal transformations that marked the transition from medieval to modern Europe. Burckhardt provides a comprehensive examination of the period's impact on modern Western civilisation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the cultural and intellectual transformations during the Renaissance period in Italy. It offers a detailed exploration of how these developments shaped modern Europe, delving into art, politics, and society with vivid descriptions and insightful analysis. Perfect for history buffs and those interested in the roots of contemporary Western civilisation.

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The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy

This 19th-century survey of the Renaissance propounds the view that it was at this time that man became aware of himself as a spiritual individual. This concept of the Renaissance has been much discussed, as has Burckhardt's cultural pessimism.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A fascinating description of the beginning of the modern world.

For nineteenth-century Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, the Italian Renaissance was nothing less than the beginning of the modern world—a world in which flourishing individualism and the competition for fame radically transformed science, the arts, and politics.

In this landmark work, he depicts the Italian city-states of Florence, Venice and Rome as providing the seeds of a new form of society, and traces the rise of the creative individual, from Dante to Michelangelo.

The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy is a fascinating description of an era of cultural transition. This nineteenth-century masterpiece was to become the most influential interpretation of the Italian Renaissance, and anticipated ideas such as Nietzsche's concept of the 'Übermensch' in its portrayal of an age of genius.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy by Jacob Burckhardt is hailed as a foundational work in the study of the Renaissance, offering a detailed and vivid portrayal of Italian culture and society from 1350 to 1550. It is lauded for its insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of the period, often considered indispensable for students of history, according to Hajo Holborn's review.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140445343

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 June 1990

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Peter Burke
  • Translated by S. Middlemore

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 289g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Jacob Burckhardt (1818-1897) intended to join the Church, but lost his faith while studying theology. Thereafter he studied history at the University of Basel, gaining his doctorate in 1843 and becoming a lecturer. He moved to the Zurich Polytechnic as Professor of Architecture and History in 1855, which is where he wrote The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy. In 1858 he returned to Basel, where he lived for his work as a teacher at the University. Peter Burke is Reader in Cultural History, University of Cambridge, and Fellow of Emmanuel College. He has published widely on the Renaissance and cultural history. Peter Murray was Emeritus Professor of the History of Art at the University of London. He taught at the Courtauld Institute from 1949-1967 and was subsequently chair of Art History at Birkbeck College. He published widely on the architecture of the Renaissance. He died in 1992.

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