John M. Najemy

Professor Najemy has recruited an all-star cast of historians to examine various aspects of Renaissance Italy. Those looking for a chronological or narrative history should look elsewhere, as the various contributors discuss such matters as education and literacy, humanism and ancient culture, families and marriage, the economy, etc. Each section is written by an expert in the field and each is interesting in its own right.

One of the most useful features of this volume is the “Further Reading” at the back of the book. For anyone interested in pursuing the relationship between popolo and the elites, e.g., the further reading section can provide a guide to in-depth studies. The book could also use better maps.

I also appreciated that the volume did not ignore southern Italy, with its distinctive kingships and courts, rather different than the Renaissance “norm”, but still important for understanding both patronage of the arts and foreign interference in Italy.… (meer)