Renaissance People: Lives that Shaped the Modern Age

by Robert C. Davis, Beth Lindsmith

Overview

The Renaissance burst forth in all its glory around 1500 and spread throughout Europe. This period of great creativity and productivity in the arts and sciences is illuminated in this book through the lives of more than ninety of its illustrious intellectuals, artists, literary figures, scientists, and rulers. Included are such major figures as Lorenzo and Catherine de’ Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles V, Luther, Columbus, Copernicus, and St. Teresa of Ávila, as well as lesser-known characters such as Antonio Rinaldeschi, “gambler and blasphemer”; Louise Labé, “the jousting poetess”; Dick Tarlton, “the queen’s comedian”; Veronica Franco, “courtesan and wordsmith”; and Catena, “rustler, robber, and bandit chief.” 

Each section in this volume marks a chronological stage in Europe’s rebirth, tying the period’s intellectual currents to its political and social concerns and setting the context for the individual biographies.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781606060780
Publisher:	Getty Publications
Publication date:	10/11/2011
Edition description:	1
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.50(d)

Editorial Reviews

Well-organized and well-executed.”—Library Journal

“A rare example of a truly useful compendium that offers coverage of some persons not included in other similar works.”—Choice

“The authors are to be commended for what they have . . . accomplished in this valuable collection. It is richly illustrated and will amply serve both students and scholars alike.”—Sixteenth Century Journal

From the Publisher

Gr 9 Up—Well-organized and well-executed, this work guides readers through the years 1400–1600 in chapters covering seven overlapping periods ranging from 25 to 50 years in length each. Each section provides a brief summary of the time in question, followed by 10 to 15 short biographies of some of the intriguing and influential figures who lived then. This clever chronological device makes the book stand out in that it is not an alphabetically organized encyclopedia of the people of the age, but, rather, a guide to the Renaissance as it unfolds through personal actions. The colorful, detailed illustrations, photographs, and sketches throughout enhance the text and often provide additional stories for readers to explore. Many expected historical figures are covered, including Christopher Columbus, Niccolo Machiavelli, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Martin Luther. However, there is also information on lesser-known people such as Dick Tarlton, Queen Elizabeth I's court jester and one of her "most trusted advisors." A valuable starting point for further research and study.—Annette Haldemann, Department of Legislative Services, Maryland General Assembly

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