The great turning point of Western civilization that we call the Renaissance marked the emergence of the modern world from the Dark Ages. This ingenious, profusely illustrated book presents the entire epoch of the Renaissance through a spectacular array of images and invites readers to follow the great lives, explore the themes, and witness the major events of this exciting era.
A lavishly illustrated survey of Renaissance art features coverage of numerous masterpieces as well as less-familiar works while providing background information on such topics as the development of the printing press, the rise of the nation-state, and the contributions of women, in a volume that is complemented by capsule biographies, timelines, and a glossary. Reprint.
Review: "Conceived and produced in association with the Renaissance society of America, this work presents a panoramic view of the cultural movement and the period of history beginning in Italy from approximately 1350, broadening geographically to include the rest of Europe by the middle-to-late-15th century, and ending in the early 17th century. Each of the nearly 1,200 entries provides a learned and succinct account suitable for inquiring readers at several levels. These readable essays covering the arts and letters, in addition to everyday life, will be appreciated by general readers and high-school students. The thoughtful analyses will enlighten college students and delight scholars. A selective bibliography of primary and secondary sources for further study follows each article."--"Outstanding reference sources 2000", American Libraries, May 2000. Comp. by the Reference Sources Committee, RUSA, ALA.
Issued in connection with an exhibition held Oct. 5, 2010-Jan. 17, 2011, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and Feb. 23-May 30, 2011, National Gallery, London (selected paintings only).
Dating from the 1520's, Bolognese swordsmaster's Antonio Manciolino's Opera Nova is the earliest surviving printed book on Italian martial arts. This seminal and eclectic Renaissance work contains clear and systematic instruction on the use of the sword and small buckler, sword and large buckler, sword and targa, sword and dagger, sword and cape, two swords, sword alone, and sword and rotella, plus a fascinating compendium on the use of polearms. Clearly and elegantly written, Manciolino's text is one of the best and clearest presentations of the martial skills required of the ideal Renaissance man. For the first time since its original publishing, this book has been translated into English by experienced historical fencing instructor Tom Leoni. Also included is a valuable and extensive technical introduction, complete with illustrations from both original sources and modern photographs, making it easy to follow Manciolino's instructions, sword-in-hand, even by beginners, while providing years of training for veteran martial artists.
A chronicle of the years between 1100 and 1453 describes the Crusades, the Inquisition, the emergence of the Ottomans, the rise of the Mongols, and the invention of new currencies, weapons, and schools of thought.
From delicate jewelry to the most elaborate goblet, this book brings together gems of the applied arts from the Middle Ages right through to the Renaissance. The 216 hand-colored copperplate engravings offer the contemporary reader both a record and a sourcebook of all that can be achieved by the human hand and creative imagination.
A fascinating history of the Renaissance told through the lives of people from all levels of society. Like every era, the Renaissance brims with stories. Fascinating, scandalous, and at times seemingly unbelievable stories from the notable lives of wily politicians, eccentric scientists, fiery rebels, and stolid reactionaries, as well as an acrobat, an actress, a poetic prostitute, a star comedian, and at least one very fretful mother are revealed. Some names are famous—Da Vinci, Luther, Medici, and Machiavelli—others are less well known, though no less remarkable. New in paperback, Lives of the Renaissance is an engaging, witty, and wonderfully illustrated compendium of one hundred notable men and women throughout Italy, Germany, France, Iberia, Scandinavia, Russia, and eastern Europe, who shaped and experienced one of the most creative and inventive periods in human civilization. Lives of the Renaissance reminds us that history is more than dates and abstract concepts: it is also the compilation of countless individual lives and stories.
The Renaissance was a time of cultural rebirth. Readers will learn all about Renaissance life and Renaissance education in this engaging title that explores how artists created masterpieces and explored subjects like music, architecture, Renaissance religion, and new artistic movements like naturalism. The intriguing facts and beautiful images allow readers to see examples of Renaissance art from great artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The easy-to-read text, accessible glossary, and helpful index work together to create a captivating reading experience.
"Rich and engaging. This account of Florentine art tells the story of who commissioned these works, who made them, where they were seen, and how they were experienced and understood by their viewers. Includes a useful timeline, glossary, and series of artists' biographies."--Patricia L. Reilly, Swarthmore College "An extraordinarily useful book, not only for teachers, but also for historically minded travelers interested in an illustrated guide to the art of Renaissance Florence."--Evelyn Lincoln, Brown University "Clear and compelling. The well-chosen illustrations include ground plans and diagrams of key architectural monuments and sculpture. The updated, judicious bibliography is a resource for anyone tackling the vast scholarship on the art of Renaissance Florence."--Cristelle Baskins, editor of The Triumph of Marriage: Painted Cassoni of the Renaissance
