The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction 1st Edition

by Jerry Brotton (Author)

112 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0192801630

ISBN-10: 9780192801630

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More than ever before, the Renaissance stands out as one of the defining moments in world history. Between 1400 and 1600, European perceptions of society, culture, politics and even humanity itself emerged in ways that continue to affect not only Europe but the entire world.
In this wide-ranging exploration of the Renaissance, Jerry Brotton shows the period as a time of unprecedented intellectual excitement, cultural experimentation, and interaction on a global scale, alongside a darker side of religion, intolerance, slavery, and massive inequality of wealth and status. Brotton skillfully guides us through the key issues that defined the Renaissance period, from its art, architecture, and literature, to advancements in the fields of science, trade, and travel. In its incisive account of the complexities of the political and religious upheavals of the period, the book argues that there are significant parallels between the Renaissance and our own era. This is the first clear and concise account of the Renaissance as a global phenomenon, an important new vision of the Renaissance for the 21st century written by a young Renaissance scholar of a new generation.

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From the Publisher

very short introducations, introductions, comprehensive

very short introductions, VSI, key features, concise, exper authors, analysis, grow your knowledge

Review

`Review from previous edition a young Turk who likes to entertain . . . Brotton's book is full of arts and crafts . . .engaging and alluring . . .This is a Renaissance you can touch and feel ' Sunday Times

`energetic and committed agenda ' Financial Times

`offers some impressive fresh evidence' Independent

`this is a Renaissance you can touch and feel' Felipe Fernandez-Armesto

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Brotton is a Lecturer in English at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0192801635
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press; 1st edition (June 15, 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780192801630
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0192801630
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.8 x 0.4 x 4.3 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #91,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #66 in Art History (Books)
- #222 in Arts & Photography Criticism

Customer Reviews:
112 ratings

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3 star		11%
2 star		1%
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Frank Bellizzi

An Excellent Short Survey

Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2016

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Well, I have to say, this is the first book in the Very Short Introductions series that I have enjoyed this much. (I've read maybe five others). The authors of the series are true experts. The trouble, in my opinion, is the format. The size of these books means they're more than an article, less than a complete survey. It's a tough job for an author. But Jerry Brotton manages to pull it off, I think. His coverage of "the Renaissance" begins with a good survey of the historiography, and includes sections on art, literature, humanism, religious reformation(s), women, exploration, etc.

Like I said, at least several volumes in this series strike me as being too much and too little at the same time. But I think that this particular book is actually a very good short survey. I give it four stars and not five, only because many of the illustrations are mediocre (which seems to be a trend in the publishing business). I think Oxford University Press can do better. Judging from just the text, I give it five stars. Those who don't agree with this opinion might consider what it would be like to write your own book covering the Renaissance in the same number of pages.

6 people found this helpful

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A fine, engaging "very short introduction"

Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2017

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This is a very good, but imperfect, introduction to the Renaissance. Although one might quibble with phrasings that might be clearer or interpretations that might be more fully spelled out to avoid ambiguity, this is a fine "very short introduction" to the subject. The author makes use of a number of pieces of art well, even in the black and white format of the book. He also touches on the interaction between "east and west" in ways that seem unavoidable when studying the Renaissance; however, this was an area where I thought the subject matter invited and demanded more discussion.

The final chapter on literature and the Renaissance seemed rushed, particularly the section on Shakespeare (the discussion of the sonnets was better than that of the plays).

Although imperfect, this slim volume still accomplishes its aim, and its engaging brevity can propel readers both to explore more on their own and to be more informed, having read this book, when doing so.

2 people found this helpful

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Gary Krajewski

Great Start

Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2020

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Very helpful in gaining a beginning understanding of the Renaissance and all of its key points to help one grasp.

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Tianna spooner

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2017

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Came nice and clean!

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Edward Vaughn

How We Got Here

Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2015

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Gods bless the Greeks, and then the intellectuals of Florence, for without them we would still be awash in the miasma of Bible-think. A concise introduction to the exit ramp from that swamp and into the fresh light of reason and sanity. Thanks to the Medici Family.

One person found this helpful

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Honest Broker

False title used; This is a book on Islamic History.

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2018

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This author spends his Introduction criticizing other authors for redefining the Renaissance in light of their times and perspectives, then spends the entire book celebrating Islam. In fact, he writes more of Arabic countries than he does of Italy, or all of Europe combined. This is a remarkable work of revisionist history. I just wish he had been honest, in calling this book A Very Short Introduction to Islamic History.

8 people found this helpful

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nestor bayang

Three Stars

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014

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It seemed so small and cheesey expected little more but guess that's why it was inexpensive

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RayTop Contributor: Photography

Engaging Introduction to The Renaissance

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2008

Jerry Brotton's "The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction" commences by using an interesting literary device to capture and focus the reader's attention: the Renaissance is introduced to us via the examination of one of the most famous pieces of artwork of the time, Han's Holbien's "The Ambassadors." This painting, which was completed about 1533, but not discovered until sometime in the 19th century, is a cornucopia of visual Renaissance imagery that illuminates our subject in a way that a standard written introduction alone might have trouble achieving. By using this painting not as a visual prop but as a focal point of discussion, the subject is made open to the reader in an appealing and stimulating manner. And once we are on our way, we find it difficult to stop, because Brotton's treatment of the subject is fully engaging while providing the important facts, issues, and mindsets of the period. This approach, along with the author's obvious talent in concise writing, makes the text a wonderful addition to Oxford's "Very Short Introduction" Series.

After examining the Holbien painting, the author turns our focus to a second painting which helps us further explorer our subject with this same type of approach: Gentile and Bellini's "Saint Mark Preaching in Alexandria." From this work, also a masterpiece of the period, we are introduced to the subjects of Renaissance finance and financial issues, the increase of trade in volume and scope, introduction to new cultural contacts, the impact external culture had on Europe, and more. So, whereas the first painting by Holbien introduces the reader to main concepts of the period, the second, the Bellini work, helps us understand the changes that occurred in the period as a result of outside contact. It's an effective literary tool, and Brotton uses it deftly throughout the remainder of the work, where additional artwork is examined as needed until the end of the text.

Once this setting and background is established, Brotton commences a treatment of the major themes of the Renaissance, and takes enough time to discuss the basic elements of each while, astonishingly, keeping the text length within the boundaries of the "Very Short Introduction" Series. We look into the development of the printing press and its role in spreading the new humanism, the differences between humanism and medieval scholasticism, and more. The ability of the printing press to spread humanistic thought in a way not previously possible is discussed in detail, as is the effect of the printing press on men such as Luther, Erasmus, and Machiavelli. Subsequent chapters investigate the interplay between church and state (a major issue during the Renaissance), the exploration of the New World, and innovations in science and philosophy. Each of these themes is discussed with sufficient detail for the reader to walk away with a clear notion of why there is a separate period called "The Renaissance," and how that period uniquely differed from the medieval period.

This book is what it is, an INTRODUCTION to the Period, not a detailed position paper on every aspect of The Renaissance. As such, there may be some contention, as there generally is with any short introduction book, on the author's view on specific aspects of the subject, and perhaps, factual references. Nevertheless, Brotton's approach is engaging, informing, and easily carries the work from start to finish. Although it is helpful to have some background in medieval history to more fully grasp the significance of the author's exposition, it is really not necessary, as Brotton does a good job of describing the differences without being distracted from his topic. I highly recommend this interesting book to anyone wishing to be introduced to that special period we now call "The Renaissance."

26 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

One of the best vsis

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2019

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I went to the same college as the author, but only found history interesting in later life, and this excellent little book has filled in some big gaps for me. The description of the then world through some famous paintings is a delight.
The Donation of Constantine (4th century AD), a foundation document of rhe catholic church, gave the pope immense powers over people and lands, which had stifled human progress for a whole millennium. It was proved to be a forgery during the early renaissance in 1435 by a Lorenzo Valla.This sparked off huge protestant movements that started to think for themselves.
The inventions of printing and books further fuelled a dramatic growth of literacy and knowledge, which is explored in interesting depth.
The early ocean explorers led the Portugese and Spanish to try to carve up the new world between themselves for plunder and and destruction. The saving grace (unmentioned) is that subsequently the British took the lead in Empire building and industrial revolution.
I didn’t like the rather long-winded explanation why this view of the renaissance is more valid than all the others. While not disagreeing, it makes the history boys seem a bit introvert.

One person found this helpful

Matthew

A good read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2020

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The Very Short Introductions are a major educational resource. There are presently nearly 700 small books covering a very wide range of subjects. Although short, the Introductions are substantial in content. Everyone would benefit from reading these books to broaden their knowledge and understanding in diverse areas of life. Perseverance with some subjects may be required but be prepared to be surprised, enlightened and enriched.

Mrs. K. A. Wheatley

Compelling and Easy to Read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2008

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This has to be one of my favourites of the Very Short Introduction series and believe me, I've read a fair few of them. This introduces us to the idea that the Renaissance wasn't purely a European Italian-centric happening. Instead Brotton looks at the Renaissance at a global level, introducing us to ideas and events which shaped the way the modern world has grown, including the worlds of finance, mathematics and geographical conquest.

Each chapter is themed to such issues and Brotton moves around the globe introducing us to new ideas, thoughts and beliefs that helped define the renaissance. If you are expecting to learn about painting and literature, they are in there, but not a great deal. What is most impressive is the scope and scale of the information given and how it is coherently set out in such a compact volume.

Of necessity and by design this is a starting post for those interested in dipping their toe in the world of the Renaissance and it is a very good one. There is also an extensive reading list at the back for those wishing to go further. An excellent book.

20 people found this helpful

J Bain

A Very Very Short Introduction!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2020

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I was very much enjoying this book until pg 54 where I discovered that nearly 30 pages were missing! There are no obvious signs of damage so this must have been a printing error when the book was manufactured.

One person found this helpful

Margaret Smith

Does what it says on the tin!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2016

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This book does what it says in its title and was an excellent reading choice before I started my Renaissance module at university. It gives an excelent overview of the period and the most important themes in this period. And it is a quick and easy read.

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The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction 1st Edition

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