![Sir Gawain and the Green Knight; Pearl; [and] Sir Orfeo](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5121GwFEIqL._BG0,0,0,0_FMpng_AC_SY160_SX160_.jpg)
There is a lot to like in Johnson's short history of the Renaissance - his opening chapter on the economic and historical background is outstanding in which he explains the grey area that is "early modern history" as Europe gradually transitions from the medieval world (in thought and politics) and towards the "modern era." In many respects, this is the strongest section of the book, as the difference in world view, centers of power, and in commercial focus is clearly deliniated and the impact and importance of the Renaissance (beyond the artistic, which is what most readily comes to mind) is demonstrated. The following chapters on art, literature and scholarship are good, but would have been vastly improved had the art (paintings, sculpture and architecture) been graphically shown, the better to give readers a quick and easy reference to the elements on which Johnson discusses.
The artists and works Johnson focuses on all demonstrate the broader themes and changes of the intellectual climate, and the interplay of religion and politics as reflected in literature and art (between, for example Italy and the Netherlands) are clearly explained, to his credit. However, it is simply too difficult for readers to recognize the details and elements of which he writes about without a ready image to compare. For this reason, I give it such a luke-warm review.
In terms of written content, this is an outstanding primer on the larger topics and themes and would be a great place to begin for those interested in a general history on the time period. Having a tablet, laptop or good phone to pull-up the various pieces of art is almost necessecary, however, which is both a distraction and a pain. A pity the editors made the decision to not include them, as it detracts from the overall quality of what is otherwise a sound and well-written history.
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