The Civilization of Europe in the Renaissance

Too much about art and too little about civilisation. When I compare this to Durant's 'The Renaissance' it comes up very short. Possibly written too much for insiders rather than the general public?

Hale's study is thorough, deep, and insightful, providing the reader with an excellent understanding of the world in the area of the 16th Century. Topics range from art, agriculture, religion, culture and more. Well worth a read to better understand the realities of life in Europe in this fascinating period.

I centocinquantanni che passano di solito sotto il nome di Rinascimento furono il lasso di tempo in cui il mondo occidentale si indirizzò sulla strada che ha portato ai giorni nostri. I più avveduti fra gli uomini che vissero in quel periodo sentiva di far parte di un’epoca speciale dopo il relativo immobilismo dei secoli medioevali: a parte l’appropriazione di qualche scoperta fiorita in precedenza, come la bussola, l’impressione era corretta, anche se, come in tutti i momenti innovativ [...]

The European historical period is by common agreement divided into three parts – Ancient, Medieval and Modern. There is rather less agreement about the dating of when the dividing lines between these periods are. The fall of Rome is conventionally the beginning of the medieval period (in Britain this is often the withdrawal of direct Roman authority in 410 AD). The conventional date to end the middle ages is 1492 and Columbus’s discovery of the new world. Yet in itself this is fairly meaning [...]

The book begins with an interesting observation: prior to the Renaissance, Europeans didn't conceive of "Europe" as a cohesive whole. Instead, they viewed themselves as part of "Christendom," defining themselves in terms of religion rather than geography.The book continues with a comprehensive overview of Europe during this vibrant period of its history. The book covers many subjects, such as travel, the economy, and manners and mores, rather than concentrating on the incredible art of the perio [...]

Really good book. After covering the politics of the European Continent during the Renaissance the bulk of the book focuses on the Great Art, Archetecture and Literature of the Renaissance. It has many black and white illustrations of buildings, paintings, sculptures, and prints from this era and spends a great deal of time relating both the overall sweep of the renaissance plus many fine details. I really enjoyed this book.

I read this many years ago, in advance of my first trip to Italy in 1996. I wish I could write more specifically on it, but I remember loving it. It's not a terribly easy read, but very worthwhile. As I remember Hale makes good use of Jakob Burkhardt's much earlier book on the same subject, but adds a more recent perspective . If you're at all interested in Italy, the Renaissance, and/or as Hale titles it "The Civilization of Europe" you'll find this an excellent read.

A wonderful book and a fitting monument to an outstanding art historian. Takes a broad look at the impact of the Renaissance and the Reformation on the culture of all Europe at a time when the concept of "Europe" as we know it today was beginning to take concrete form. Thoroughly recommended.

Dense and packed with detail. Great historical reference but it took me over a year to read it. It's better to scan and then read just the sections you are most intersted in. Overall the author does well in communicating the upheaval of the Renaissance.

Sell this book. Date Purchased Unknown. Source: QPB

John Hale certainly knows Renaissance history, and writes so fluently on the topic in a way that is both intimate and objective of Renaissance key players and events.

Overview of life in the late middle ages.

Handsome, profound overview of the Renaissance. By now, a little out of date, of course.

The world's a big place.